Short-Neck Turtle

The Murray Short-Neck Turtle (Emydura macquarii) is one of Australia's most abundant and widely distributed freshwater turtles, native to the Murray-Darling Basin across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and southern Queensland. It inhabits slow-moving rivers, lakes, billabongs, backwaters and farm dams, feeding opportunistically on aquatic invertebrates, algae, aquatic plants and carrion.

Macleay's Short-Neck Turtle (variously treated as Emydura macquarii dharra or Emydura macquarii krefftii) is found in coastal river systems of eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, occupying similar habitats to the Murray Short-Neck but adapted to warmer, more tropical waterways.

Both species are named for their notably shorter, more rounded necks compared to Chelodina long-neck species — they retract the head straight back into the shell rather than folding it sideways. Short-neck turtles are among the hardiest and most adaptable of Australia's freshwater turtles, and their general robustness and willingness to accept a varied diet make them among the most accessible turtle species for beginner aquatic keepers.

Care requirements are broadly similar to those of long-neck turtles. A single adult Murray or Macleay's Short-Neck requires a minimum aquarium of 180 cm L × 50 cm W × 50 cm H, with a water depth of 30–40 cm (approximately 350 litres).

A dry basking platform accessible via a ramp and occupying approximately 25% of the surface area is essential — turtles must be able to fully emerge and dry out completely under a basking heat lamp. The basking spot should reach 30–34 °C. A T5 10% UVB lamp positioned to illuminate the basking area is non-negotiable for shell and bone health; replace the bulb annually regardless of whether it still emits visible light.

Water temperature should be maintained at 20–26 °C using a submersible aquarium heater with a protective guard. A powerful external canister filter rated to at least double the tank volume is essential. Perform 25–30% water changes weekly and test water parameters regularly. Substrate can be fine river sand or a bare-bottom setup for ease of cleaning. Add submerged hides, smooth rocks and aquatic or artificial plants. An outdoor pond in a temperate to warm climate is an excellent long-term option and provides the greatest environmental enrichment.

Short-neck turtles are omnivores and are generally less selective feeders than long-neck species, which makes dietary management more straightforward. Supplement pellets with live or frozen bloodworms, aquatic snails, earthworms, yabbies, shrimp, small feeder fish and leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach and water plants. High-quality commercial aquatic turtle pellets may be accepted and can be offered occasionally as dietary variation.

Macleay's Short-Necks tend toward greater carnivory than Murray Short-Necks and should receive proportionally more animal protein in the diet. Feed juveniles daily; adults three to five times per week. All feeding takes place in the water. Remove uneaten food promptly to maintain 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.

Both species are calmer and more tolerant of human presence than Eastern Long-Neck Turtles. They are not aggressive and rarely bite in normal circumstances. Murray Short-Necks in particular are known to become quite interactive over time, readily approaching the front of their enclosure at feeding time and showing visible recognition of their keeper. Unlike Eastern Long-Necks, short-neck turtles do not produce the strong musk associated with Chelodina species.

Short-neck turtles are more tolerant of handling than long-neck species, but handling should still be limited to health checks, transport and brief, purposeful interaction. Support the shell from both sides when handling. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact with the animal, its enclosure or the water — turtles can carry Salmonella bacteria without showing signs of illness. Children must be supervised during handling and instructed to wash hands immediately afterwards.

A stimulating aquatic environment is the most meaningful form of enrichment for short-neck turtles. Submerged hides — PVC pipe elbows, flat smooth rocks or purpose-made cave ornaments — encourage natural shelter-seeking behaviour. Live or artificial aquatic plants add visual complexity and provide cover for a turtle that feels exposed. Varying food types — offering live snails, bloodworms, yabbies and vegetables on a rotating basis — encourages natural foraging and hunting behaviour.

A ramp to the basking platform and a choice of multiple basking surfaces allow the turtle to thermoregulate at its own discretion. Floating cork bark or other safe objects at the water surface provide additional sensory variety. Outdoor pond housing, where the weather and season allow, provides the greatest enrichment through natural light, temperature variation and the opportunistic presence of aquatic invertebrates and insects.

Shell rot (ulcerative shell disease) presents as soft, pitted or discoloured areas on the carapace or plastron and is most commonly caused by poor water quality or physical injury. Maintain excellent filtration and water quality; seek veterinary treatment if signs are detected. Respiratory infections are caused by cold water temperatures or draughts, and present as asymmetric floating, tilting or laboured breathing — verify water temperature immediately and consult a veterinarian.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) results from a lack of dietary calcium, insufficient UVB lighting, or poor calcium-to-phosphorus balance. Signs in turtles include shell softening, abnormal shell growth, limb weakness and reduced activity. Consistent UVB provision, a nutritionally varied diet and routine calcium supplementation are the primary preventative measures.

Eye infections and swelling, often linked to vitamin A deficiency or poor water quality, should be assessed by a reptile vet. Ensuring dietary variety — particularly dark leafy greens and varied protein sources — helps prevent nutritional deficiencies. Internal parasites are common in newly acquired animals; a faecal test at the first veterinary visit is recommended. Salmonella can be carried by turtles without visible symptoms — strict and consistent hand hygiene after all contact is essential, particularly in households with young children or immunocompromised individuals.