Eastern Long-Neck Turtle

The Eastern Long-Neck Turtle is native to the Murray-Darling Basin and coastal drainages of southeastern Australia, with a natural range spanning New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. They inhabit slow-moving rivers, lakes, wetlands, swamps, seasonal floodplains and farm dams, where they are active hunters of fish, aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles and small frogs.

Despite being primarily aquatic, Eastern Long-Necks are well known for their remarkable capacity for overland travel — during drought, when water sources dry up, or during breeding season, individuals can travel considerable distances across land in search of new water bodies. Their extraordinarily long neck — which can equal or exceed the length of the shell itself — is used as a rapid strike mechanism when hunting. When threatened, they fold this neck sideways against the body (not straight back), earning them the classification of 'side-necked' turtles. They are also well known for producing a potent, unpleasant musk as a defence mechanism.

Eastern Long-Neck Turtles are primarily aquatic and require a generously sized, well-maintained aquatic environment. A single adult requires a minimum aquarium of 120 cm L × 50 cm W × 50 cm H — approximately 300 litres — with a water depth of at least 30–40 cm, sufficient for the turtle to swim and turn freely.

A dry basking platform accessible via a ramp and occupying approximately 25% of the surface area is essential — turtles must be able to fully dry out under a heat source. The basking spot should reach 30–35 °C under a heat lamp. A T5 10% UVB lamp positioned to illuminate the basking platform is non-negotiable and must be replaced annually, even if it still appears to emit visible light, as UVB output degrades before visual output fails. Water temperature should be maintained between 20–26 °C using a submersible aquarium heater with a protective guard to prevent contact burns.

A powerful external canister filter rated to at least double the tank volume is essential — turtles produce considerable waste, and an undersized filter leads rapidly to water quality decline. Perform 25–30% water changes weekly and test water parameters regularly. Substrate options include fine river sand or bare-bottom glass — the latter is easier to clean and maintain. Submerged hides, smooth rocks and aquatic plants complete the setup. An outdoor pond is an excellent long-term option in temperate climates, providing natural UVB exposure and a richer, more stimulating environment.

Eastern Long-Neck Turtles are active hunters and benefit from a varied, stimulating diet that includes a range of prey types. Suitable food items include live or frozen feeder fish (such as small rosy barbs or gudgeons), freshwater yabbies and shrimp, earthworms, live or frozen bloodworms, and occasional lean prawns. High-quality commercial turtle pellets can form part of the diet occasionally but should not be a primary food source; variety is essential for long-term health.

All feeding takes place in the water, as Eastern Long-Necks feed exclusively underwater. Feed juveniles daily; adults three to five times per week. Prey size should be manageable — turtles are messy eaters and oversized items increase waste in the enclosure. Remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality. Live insects can be dusted with a calcium powder to supplement their nutritional intake. Fresh, dechlorinated water must be maintained at all times.

Handling should be kept to an absolute minimum — turtles are aquatic animals and time out of water is stressful. When handling is necessary for health checks, transport or enclosure maintenance, support the shell firmly from both sides. Be aware of the neck reach — Eastern Long-Necks are capable of striking with surprising speed and distance. Children must always be supervised during any contact with turtles and must wash hands thoroughly immediately afterwards, as turtles can carry Salmonella bacteria without showing any signs of illness.

Most individuals become more confident over time and will approach the front of their enclosure at feeding time. When threatened or handled, they may release a strong, persistent musk — this is a natural defence mechanism, not a sign of illness. Biting is uncommon in settled animals but possible if the turtle is stressed or handled roughly; their bite is strong and the long neck allows them to reach further than expected.

Eastern Long-Neck Turtles benefit most from a rich, naturalistic aquatic environment rather than direct interaction. Submerged hides — large PVC pipe elbows, smooth flat rocks, or purpose-made turtle caves — provide refuge and encourage natural shelter-seeking behaviour. Live or artificial aquatic plants offer visual complexity and cover. Varying the types of food items offered — live yabbies, feeder fish, bloodworms — stimulates natural hunting behaviour and prevents dietary monotony.

A floating platform, cork bark, or other surface objects provide additional areas for basking and surface exploration. If housed in an outdoor pond, natural sunlight, seasonal variation, insects landing on the water surface and the presence of live aquatic invertebrates provide a level of environmental enrichment that cannot be replicated indoors. Regular gentle water flow from a filter outlet or air stone also enriches the aquatic environment.

Shell rot (ulcerative shell disease) is a bacterial or fungal infection causing soft, discoloured or pitted areas on the carapace or plastron — almost always linked to poor water quality or physical injury. Maintain excellent water quality and seek veterinary treatment promptly if signs are detected. Respiratory infections present as wheezing, asymmetric floating or tilting to one side in the water, and typically result from cold water temperatures or draughts — maintain water temperature within the correct range and consult a reptile vet.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is caused by insufficient calcium, inadequate UVB exposure, or an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. In turtles, MBD manifests as soft, deformed or pyramiding shell, weakened limbs and lethargy. Prevention requires consistent access to quality UVB lighting, a varied calcium-rich diet, and regular calcium supplementation.

Vitamin A deficiency leads to swollen eyelids and lethargy; ensure dietary variety and consider supplementation under veterinary guidance. Internal parasites are common in newly acquired animals — a faecal test performed by a reptile vet at the first health check is strongly recommended. Salmonella can be carried by turtles without visible signs of illness — strict hand hygiene after any contact with the animal, the enclosure or the water is essential and non-negotiable, particularly in households with young children.