Slider turtles are a popular reptile pet. Some of these include the red-eared slider and yellow-bellied slider as well as pond sliders.

These three species are not the only ones that get attention. Some newer species are now on the scene.

Yes, these are peacock slider turtles.

This episode will cover the care of a peacock slider turtle.

Quick Facts

• Name: Peacock slider turtle
• Species: T.emolli
• Nickname: Nicaraguan slider
• Genus: Trachemys
• Maximum Size: 15 inches
• Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years
• Care Level: Moderate
• Omnivores eat diet
• Temperature: 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
• Temperament: Mild
• pH range: 6.0 to 8.0
• Lighting: Moderate to dim

Natural Habitat

Peacock slider turtles, native to Nicaragua and Costa Rica are found mainly in Lake Nicaragua, Lake Managua and their tributaries.

These turtles are freshwater turtles and have a habitat that is similar to other slider turtles. One example is the Meso American slider turtle (Trachemys Venusta), which is found from Mexico to Colombia.

Appearance

Peacock slider turtles look the same as any other slider turtle, aside from their iconic carapace pattern.

The carapace has distinct circular patterns that closely resemble the peacock’s. In the middle of each marking is a dark spot.

The carapace’s color can be either olive green or brown. The yellow lines at the corners where the carapace meets the plastron will be noticeable.

Similar to other sliders the color of their plactron is also yellow.

Size

Peacock sliders are dependent on their habitat and what food they eat. A male adult can reach 12 inches long, while a female can reach 15 inch.

In its first three years, a baby peacock turtle slider turtle will grow rapidly. It will then grow slowly at a normal rate, about 1 inch per annum.

The Life-Span

Peacock slider turtles can live for approximately 15 to 25 years in captivity. Some wild ones can survive for up to 30 years.

Tank Requirements

The Size of a Tank

Baby peacock slider turtles can grow rapidly in the first three years of their life. You should consider the size of your tank before you start thinking about it.

For most turtles, a reasonable guess is 10 gallons per in. This can also be used to reference peacock sliders.

A peacock slider that is 4 inches long will need to be housed in a 40-gallon tank.

These turtles will likely outgrow their tanks so you need to consider the size of your tank from day one.

A minimum of a 50-gallon tank is recommended. This tank will be large enough to house a baby peacock slider or a juvenile one.

For an adult, you will need a minimum of a 150-200-gallon tank.

If your turtles grow beyond the size of your guestimated tank, you will need to keep them in either a large or stock tank.

This is a 150-gallon storage tank I use to keep my sliders clean:

Water Parameters

Freshwater must be free from ammonia and chloride in order to hatch peacock slider turtles. Tap water should be tested for traces of ammonia and nitrite.

This master kit can be used by API to test water quality.

These are the ideal water parameters for a peacock turtle slider:

• pH Value: 6-8
• Chlorine Level: 0
• Ammonia Level:0
• Nitrite Level: 0
• Nitrate Levels: Preferably 0 (less that 40 ppm).

Tap water is not suitable for turtle tanks. You will need to chlorinate it before using. You can also use distilled water.

I use a dechlorinator for all my tanks.

Filters

A good filter can make sure your water is clean and your sliders are healthy.

No matter what filter you use, it is important to clean them at least once per month. When you’re about to change your water, timing is key.

You should also emphasize biological filtration in addition to mechanical filtration. This promotes the growth and development of beneficial nitrifying microorganisms, which transform toxic nitrogen waste into non-threatening byproducts.

Canister filters are a good choice. This is the one I use to protect my tanks.

They are more durable than other filters and much more effective in their job.

These filters are also very useful because they can be hidden under the tank. This will preserve the tank’s aesthetics.

They are also less noisy than other filters. If you’re a light sleeper, they can be very helpful.

Aquarium Plants

Plants will help your turtle mimic its natural habitat by putting them in their tank. They offer shelter, rest and entertainment for the turtle.

You should be careful about which plants you keep in your peacock slider’s aquarium.

Peacock sliders are likely to eat any plant that they find delicious, just like other turtles.

You should also ensure that the plants you choose are safe for turtles. Because your turtles will take a nip regardless of what plants you have in the tank.

These are safe aquatic plants you can keep inside your peacock slider turtle tank:

• Anubias Barteri
• Java Fern
• Amazon Sword Plant
• Water Hyacinth
• Java Moss
• Hornwort
• Duckweed
• Dwarf Hair Grass
• Common Waterweed

Here are some dangerous plants you should not keep in a peacock slider tank:

• Begonia
• Boston Ivy
• Chinese Evergreen
• Dumb Cane
• Elephant’s Ear
• Firethorn
• Calla Lily
• Arrowhead Vine

You turtle will eat any plant in your peacock slider tank.

Artificial turtle habitats are more durable than the natural ones.

These are some artificial plants that you can choose from:

Diet

The peacock slider turtles can be considered omnivores. They are like most turtles and will take in everything they find.

What to Feed the Peacock Slider Turtles

The diet of a peacock slider turtle depends on its age. For babies and juvenile sliders to be healthy, they need protein-rich foods. Adults, on the other hand, require fiber- and starch-rich food.

Peacock slider turtles can be tough pets. You don’t have to worry about what they eat as long as it is safe and healthy.

This is a list of food that you can give a peacock slider turtle.

Protein sources: Worms, insects, feeder fish and small crustaceans.

Vegetables: Kale and cabbage, beetroots, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and peas.

Fruits (occasionally): Strawberry, apple and mango, pears.

Flowers (occasionally): Rose, nasturtiums and hibiscus.

Foods To Avoid For Turtles

One word of caution: Keep oxalate-rich foods away. Examples include spinach, okra and rhubarb.

How Often Should You Feed Peacock Slider Turtles?

It is possible to feed juveniles and hatchlings daily. Adults should be fed once per day.

How Much Should You Feed Peacock Slider Turtles?

As a rule of thumb, you should give your sliders as much food as they can finish in 15 minutes.

You can also give them small amounts of pellets that are equal in size to their heads.

Peacock sliders, like all turtles, make a mess when they binge.

This can quickly make the tank more dirty.

This will help to prevent the turtle from getting too excited during their feedings.

Place the turtle in the aquarium first, then add some water.

After the turtle has finished eating, drain the water and return it to its tank.

Health and Disease

Despite being tough, peacock slider turtles can still be vulnerable to health issues.

These conditions and diseases can be caused by factors such as water conditions, diet, or habitat.

Turtles are susceptible to respiratory infections, salmonella and shell rot.

Let me explain.

Respiratory Infections

Turtles can also get pneumonia (a respiratory infection) like us. These are the symptoms and signs that turtles with RI experience:

• Lopsided swimming
• Watery eyes, runny nose and watery eyes
• Appetite loss
• Lethargy
• Frequent breathing

Most commonly, respiratory infections are caused by incorrect water parameters and temperatures.

Your vet should be notified immediately if your turtle exhibits any of these symptoms.

Salmonella Virus

The salmonella virus is well-known to most reptiles, amphibians, and amphibians. They can also transmit the virus to humans.

Although turtles can be susceptible to salmonella, this doesn’t affect their health.

However, if you handle a turtle without washing your hands immediately afterward, it can lead to a gastroenteritis.

This can lead to fever, loose motions, cramps and vomiting.

The virus could spread to the brain, blood, and bones in the worst case scenario.

Shell Rot

There are many reasons that turtles can develop shell rot. Most often, it is caused by infections of fungal or bacterial organisms.

When the turtle is not given adequate water, vitamin D, nutrition, and space to swim, its immune system weakens.

As a result, any minor scratches or wounds on the turtle’s skin will not heal in an usual fashion.

The infection can also spread to the turtle’s skin in the form light spots.

If the scutes are not treated promptly, they will fall off the shells and release a foul odor.

You should immediately take your pet peacock slider turtle to the vet if this happens. They will usually prescribe a topical antiseptic such as povidone-iodine that you can apply to your turtle’s shell every day.

Swollen Eyes

This is not a sign of a disease, but rather a symptom. Usually, turtles with respiratory infections have puffy eyes.

Once the disease has been treated, it will also subside.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites can also be a problem for peacock slider turtles. The planaria worm is one of the most common.

It lives in the intestine of a turtle and is microscopic.

Hobbyists often mistake this worm for the one they have in their tank. However, it’s not true.

Planaria cannot be seen with naked eyes.

Once it is attached to the turtle’s intestinal tract, it will consume its guts and pose a serious threat.

It is highly recommended that you deworm your turtle tank on a regular basis.

I use

If you suspect that your peacock slider has planaria in its tank, this is the one to choose.

Algae Buildup On Shell

Bad filtering or maintenance problems can lead to algae buildup in the shell.

The turtles can make a mess quickly and it can be difficult to clean the tank every day. Algae deposits build up quickly on turtle shells. Too many algae deposits can cause shell rot.

Use a soft toothbrush to remove the algae from the shell. If the filter isn’t working as it should, you can replace it.

Vitamin Deficit

Peacock slider turtles consume a wide variety of foods to stay healthy and active. Did you know that turtles only require two vitamins?

Yes, all vitamins are important, but turtles require vitamin A, and vitamin D.

These nutritional sticks are given to me by my turtles. These nutritional sticks are worth your time.

They can develop serious health problems such as Squamous metaplasia or metabolic bone disease if they don’t have these vitamins.

You must feed your turtle food rich in beta-carotene to meet the vitamin A requirements.

Beta carotene is found in leafy vegetables like kale and cabbages as well as broccoli and cauliflower. Sweet potatoes, carrots and squash are other sources of beta carotene.

Tank Mates

Perhaps you have heard that turtles are solitary reptiles. There are certain tank mates you can keep with your peacock slider turtles.

These are the best tank mates to your peacock slider turtles

• Neon Tetras
• Yellow Cichlids
• Koi Fish
• Zebra Danios

Here are some other turtle species to go with your peacock slider turtles.

• Red-eared slider Turtles
• Mud Turtles
• Pink turtles with a belly sideneck
• Western painted turtle

Tankmates To Avoid Keeping With Peacock Slider Turtles

Peacock sliders should not keep tankmates who are too slow or large. Avoid aggressive tankmates.

You should avoid certain aquatic species that are in close proximity to your peacock sliders:

• Piranhas
• Catfish
• Goldfish
• Feeder Fish
• Lobsters
• Breeding

You should check first if your peacock sliders have reached sexual maturity.

When they reach sexual maturity, female peacock sliders are around 7 years old. The males reach sexual maturity at around four and a half years of age.

To encourage breeding, lower the habitat temperature to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dim the lights.

Allow them to find a mate for 6-8 weeks.

The male peacock slider turtles have shorter claws than other turtles and are able to grab the shell of the female during mating.

Only if the female is satisfied with her mate will she allow the male to mount her.

Then, you can return them to their daily living conditions.

The nesting season is usually from December through May. A season can see up to 35 eggs being laid by females.

The hatchlings will then grow between 70 and 130 days.

Final Words: Peacock Slider Turtles Care Guide

Peacock slider turtles are gentle and require minimal attention. However, they can quickly make tanks very dirty. Regularly clean your tank and inspect for any spikes in nitrite, ammonia, or nitrate levels in the water.

You should also ensure that they are not kept in a tank that is too small for their swimming needs. This not only puts them under stress, but also hinders their growth.