🦎 Reptiles

Red-Eared Slider

Long-lived aquatic turtle with big needs.

Red-eared sliders are active, interactive turtles that grow larger and live longer than many owners expect. They need a large aquatic setup with powerful filtration, heat and UVB.

Lifespan20–40 years
SizeMedium · 8–12 in shell
Care levelModerate
Typical cost$30–60 / month
Great for
Dedicated ownersLong-term commitmentActiveCuriousIndependent
Red-Eared Slider

Photo: Greg Hume · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

10 gallons per inch of shell (75–125+ gallons for adults); basking dock 90°F; UVB; canister filter.

Aquatic turtle pellets, leafy greens and occasional protein. Adults become more herbivorous.

Swimming space is their exercise.

Regular water changes and shell checks.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Shell rot
  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • Respiratory infections
  • Metabolic bone disease
  • Salmonella (wash hands)
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual reptile vet exam.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.