Caspian Pond Turtle

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: September 20th, 2016

About Caspian Pond Turtle

Size

Small

Lifespan

40+ years

Difficulty Of Care

Low

Comparable Breeds

European Pond Turtle

Food

Pelleted commercial diet, greens, insects, fish, worms

Type

Semi-aquatic turtles

Length

7-10"

Caspian Pond Turtle General Info

Also known as the Caspian Turtle, the wild population of Caspian Pond Turtle has, unfortunately, been declining as a result of interactions with humans, storks, and vultures.

These active and versatile turtles are available in limited numbers, thanks to a few breeders in the United States. These pets are also fast-growing, and they do need a lot of space, so if you do not have a lot of room to give them or you are too busy, they are not the right breed for you.

The Caspian Pond Turtle is active and versatile, and is available in limited numbers.

Native Habitat

The Caspian Pond Turtle is found in many different countries. For example, these animals have habitat throughout Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Crete, Cypress, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria, as a few examples.

These turtles are highly adaptable and make their home in the many brackish and freshwater bodies of water throughout their wild range. There can be many of them living in permanent bodies of water, but in areas where the water is temporary, they are forced to become dormant in mud during the summer. Turtles living in northern areas will hibernate during the winter.

Overall Description

Caspian Pond Turtles feature an oval and smooth carapace that can be black, tan, or olive. The body is also marked with cream or yellow colored lines.

These turtles will usually breed in the early part of the spring season, but they might also breed in the autumn as well. Nesting will typically happen in June and July. Four to six eggs, on average, will be in each clutch, and the eggs will be brittle-shelled, elongated, and white. Hatchlings will feature carapaces that are round and roughly 33 mm long. They will also be brighter in color compared to adult Caspian Pond Turtles.

When they are juveniles, these turtles will be carnivorous. As they become adults, they will shift to being omnivorous instead. Larger turtles have even been observed following a more herbivorous diet.

Caspian Pond Turtles are highly adaptable and make their home in brackish and freshwater bodies of water.

Colors

The Caspian Pond Turtle will feature an oval and smooth carapace that can be tan, black, or olive in color, along with yellow or cream colored patterns on the shell, head, and arms.

Environment

To house a Caspian Pond Turtle, you will need a 75-gallon tank, as a minimum, for an adult. A koi pond or a commercial turtle tub would be even better. If you are planning on housing more than one Caspian Pond Turtle in a single tank, however, it should be a 90-gallon aquarium for a pair of turtles. For each additional turtle, you need to have an extra 40 gallons available in the tank.

It is fine to keep these turtles in an aquarium without anything on the bottom because the gravel will only end up trapping too much waste and food (plus, the gravel may end being swallowed by the turtle). Your Caspian Pond Turtle will also require a dry surface that is designed for basking and resting, such as a commercial turtle dock.

A powerful filter will be required to keep the turtle’s water as clean as possible in between manual water cleanings, and you should provide UVB lighting to keep your pet healthy. Also, the water temperature should be between 60°F and 82°F, and the basking area should be 90-100°F, so you will need a heater and a thermometer to monitor these temperatures.

Care Requirements

In terms of diet, a variety of different foods will keep your turtle happy and healthy. These turtles typically feed on aquatic insects, carrion, amphibians, small invertebrates, and various terrestrial and aquatic plants in the wild.

Caspian Pond Turtles that are kept as pets enjoy eating commercial turtle pellets, as well as fish, meat, earthworms, insects, minnows, roaches, crickets, prawn, crayfish, greens, and shrimp. A cuttlebone can also be provided as an additional calcium supplement.

Caspian Pond Turtles enjoy basking, but they will quickly dive into the water if they are frightened.

Behavior

These turtles enjoy basking, but they will quickly dive into the water if they are frightened. They are personable, and they will eventually recognize you as their caretaker. You will notice that your turtle is quite active, as well as always hungry and alert. You may even find your turtle begging you for a snack as soon as he sees you.

Like other turtles, the Caspian Pond Turtle will not enjoy being handled or held. These turtles can also bite you if they are frightened. They can be housed alone or with other turtles in the same tank.

Photo credit: Yuvalr/Wikimedia; Graham Gavaghan/Flickr; Al_Kan/Bigstock

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Between 2019 and 2023, dogs and cats identified as cause for missing jewelry, broken electronics, and property damage.

Shelter Cat's Brutally Honest Adoption Ad Goes Viral: She Will Own You

Last month, the Humane Society of Washington shared a brutally honest adoption post in which they introduced a cat who is up for adoption. The adoption post, which went viral, describes the feline in question as “a more lively houseplant.”The three-year-old tortoiseshell cat named Quinn arrived at the Humane Society of Washington County in Hagerstown, Maryland, in August as a stray. According to the post, Quinn is currently the shelter’s longest-term cat resident.This is not the first time the shelter advertised Quinn’s adoption. However, since the first post hasn’t helped Quinn find her person, the shelter decided to change tactics with a brutally honest profile.“Do you want a cat who doesn’t want you? Do you crave the feeling of being judged in your own home? Do you need someone who will slap you back into reality without notice? If you answered yes to any of these questions we have a cat for you!” posted the Humane Society of Washington County on Facebook. “Meet Quinn!” the shelter added.The post went on to say that Quinn’s not for everyone. “But surely there’s someone out there who would appreciate her icy stare and her sudden smacks.”Continuing to highlight all of Quinn’s quirks the post said “She has an uncanny ability to make people feel unwelcome in her presence!” This particular trait makes Quinn perfect for people who are tired of visitors and just want to enjoy the peace of their home. Additionally, Quinn isn’t an overly energetic feline. “Quinn only seems to want to play about once a month,” making her an ideal companion for people who aren’t big fans of physical activity.“Quinn is essentially a more lively houseplant, because all she really needs a human for is food, water, and changing her litter,” said the shelter.“If you adopt Quinn you will not be her owner, because Quinn cannot be owned. She will own you, your house, your belongings, and everything you hold dear.” The shelter also noted that Quinn isn’t on the main adoption floor with other felines and must be asked for by name. The feisty feline has taken up residence in an office where she rules with an iron paw. Anyone interested in being “Quinn’s servant” should not have canines or small children in the house. “Quinn would challenge any dog to a fight. For the dog’s safety, it’s best that she goes to a home without any canines,” said the shelter. The Humane Society of Washington County added - “Quinn is like a more physical version of someone yelling ‘Get off my lawn!’ at small children.” - leaving teens and adults as only suitable housemates. “We originally [shared] a conservative post highlighting Quinn’s strengths, but when no one came for her, we decided the best way to find her a home was to rip off the band-aid and just let her true colors shine,” said Collin A. Berry, executive director of the Humane Society of Washington County, to Fox News Digital. Soon after Quinn arrived at the shelter it became clear that she wasn’t a particularly social feline. She didn’t allow any of the staff to touch her for close to a week. After being sedated for an exam, and given a clean bill of health, it became clear that her behavior wasn’t the result of pain or an underlying health condition. “Everyone thought time and space would help, but as it turns out, Quinn is just Quinn,” said Berry. “She’s a lady who knows what she wants and when she wants it.”We’re happy to report that Quinn has been adopted! It turns out honesty is the best policy! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

New Survey Ranks America's Top Dog Breeds by State

There’s no doubt about it - Americans love their dogs! We know that your pooch is the best breed, but have you wondered which are the most favored dog breeds in America? Forbes surveyed 10,000 dog owners across the 50 states to find America’s top dog breed. The survey involved the top 25 most popular dog breeds nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club. So, what is America’s top dog? As it turns out, “no breed in particular” is the country’s favorite at 13%.However, if Americans had to decide, they’d pick the Australian shepherd as a favorite, followed by the German shepherd and the bulldog.The highly intelligent and energetic Australian shepherd was ranked as the top dog breed in 10 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Missouri, New York, and Virginia. This breed was also voted the second favorite in nine states. Although Aussies won the popularity vote, the German shepherd was the number one pick in 16 states. That’s more than any other breed!Known for its loyal and courageous nature, the German shepherd is the most common breed to serve as a police K9 but also makes a wonderful family companion. They ranked as the second favorite dog breed in nine states. Interestingly, more men than women picked German shepherds as their favorite breed (9% compared to 6%). America’s 3rd favorite breed, according to Forbes, is the bulldog. The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed, best known for its stocky build, large head, and wrinkled face. The bulldog ranked as the top dog in eight states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Utah. Among all states, Nebraska ranked the bulldog lowest, placing this breed at 24th place, The lovable and friendly Labrador retriever ranked as the nation’s 4th favorite breed. Thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and energetic nature, Labs make great companions to people of all ages and families with children. Labrador retrievers ranked as the most favorite dog breed in 10 states, including Louisiana, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Bernese mountain dog is the 5th favorite dog breed in the United States. Large in size and built for hard work, Bernese mountain dogs are easy to train and make affectionate, loyal, and faithful companions. So, it’s no surprise that this doggo ranked as the most favorite breed in nine states. Compared to four other top-ranked breeds, the Bernese mountain dog had the most varying results, with 10 states ranking this breed in the bottom 10.The beagle is the nation’s favorite small breed. Ranked as the 6th favorite breed overall, the beagle was placed in the top 10 favorite breeds in all but seven states. This breed received the lowest ranking in Utah, where it was voted as the state’s 3rd least favorite breed.The golden retriever comes in at 7th place, after being voted as the most favorite dog breed in Michigan and Wisconsin. Medium in size and best known for their gorgeous golden coats, golden retrievers are loving, loyal, and affectionate companions to active people and families with children. Goldens were the 2nd favorite dog breed in four states, including New Hampshire, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Vermont. This breed ranked the lowest in Alabama, where it received 17th place.These are America’s most favorite dog breeds, but the nation also has the least favorite doggo. This title goes to the Havanese, which was the bottom-ranked breed in 33 states.The Havanese is followed by Pembroke Welsh Corgi which was the least favorite dog breed in 17 states. And what about you? What’s your favorite and least favorite dog breed?Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Bad Body Odor?

Dogs are cute, no doubt about that, but most of them are not winning awards for their lovely BO – in fact, if we’re being honest, most pooches are a bit stinky. Of course, if you make sure to keep them clean with regular baths, grooming, and teeth brushing, you can eliminate or at least significantly reduce any unpleasant smell. But sometimes, even if you are very attentive about your dog’s hygiene, they can still smell a bit funky. Why does this happen? And what should you do in that case? Lastly, is there a way to prevent unpleasant body odors in your dog? Let’s try and answer all these stinky questions.Why Does My Dog Smell Bad?Are you catching a whiff of something foul whenever your dog enters the room? Are you struggling to keep them clean and smelling fresh? There could be a number of reasons why your pupper is stinky, and it is important to go over everything in order to properly address this issue. Firstly, you want to consider their hygiene. Lack of regular grooming and bathing can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria on a dog's skin and coat, resulting in a bad odor. Make sure you are giving your dog a regular wash or a bath, and that you are using  special shampoos that are safe for pets and smell nice.

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