CHARCOAL RED-EARED SLIDER
CHARCOAL RED-EARED SLIDER
Charcoal Red-Eared Slider Turtle
The charcoal red-eared slider is a color morph of the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans. “Charcoal” generally describes a darker, muted coloration rather than a separate species. Like standard red-eared sliders, it is a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle that spends much of its time swimming but requires a completely dry basking area. ReptiFiles+1
Origin
Red-eared sliders are native to the southern and central United States and northern Mexico, where they inhabit ponds, lakes, swamps, canals, and slow-moving rivers. They are now kept throughout the world and have become invasive in many areas when unwanted pets are released into the wild. Animal Diversity Web+1
Diet
Red-eared sliders are omnivores, with their diet changing as they mature.
- Young turtles: Require more animal protein, such as quality aquatic-turtle pellets, insects, worms, and other appropriately sized aquatic prey.
- Adults: Should eat predominantly plant matter, including dark leafy greens and aquatic plants, supplemented with a quality turtle pellet and occasional animal protein.
- Good greens include collard, mustard, turnip, and dandelion greens.
- Avoid relying on feeder fish or meat as the primary diet.
- Provide a source of calcium and maintain appropriate UVB exposure to support shell and bone health.
Wild adults naturally consume substantial amounts of aquatic vegetation while still opportunistically eating insects, mollusks, fish, and other small animals. Animal Diversity Web+1
Tank Size
These turtles grow dramatically from the tiny hatchlings commonly sold in pet stores.
A useful minimum guideline is about 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length, although more space is preferable. Adult turtles generally require at least 75–100 gallons, with a 120-gallon or larger setup providing a more comfortable long-term habitat, particularly for a large female. Reptination+1
The enclosure should include:
- Deep, clean swimming water
- A sturdy, completely dry basking platform
- Powerful filtration
- UVB lighting
- A basking heat source
- A secure lid or escape-proof design
- Smooth decorations that cannot injure the turtle
Recommended Parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Adult shell length | ~8–12 in (20–30 cm) |
| Adult tank | 75–120+ gallons |
| Water temperature | ~74–78°F (23–26°C) for adults |
| Basking surface | ~90–95°F (32–35°C) |
| UVB | High-quality T5 HO UVB; provide over the basking zone |
| Lighting cycle | About 10–12 hours/day |
| Water depth | At least 1.5–2× shell length; deeper is generally better for capable swimmers |
| Filtration | Strong filter rated around 2–3× the actual tank volume |
| Water quality | Ammonia 0 ppm; nitrite 0 ppm; keep nitrate controlled with regular water changes |
| Basking area | Large enough for the entire turtle to get completely out of the water |
Published husbandry recommendations vary somewhat, particularly for exact water and basking temperatures, but they consistently emphasize clean water, strong filtration, UVB, appropriate heat, and a completely dry basking platform. Petco+2
Adult Size
Adult red-eared sliders commonly reach approximately 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) in shell length, with females usually becoming substantially larger than males. They can also live for 20–30 years or longer, making them a decades-long commitment. ReptiFiles+1
Essential Care Tips
- Plan for the adult size immediately. A hatchling may fit in a small aquarium, but it will eventually require a very large aquatic habitat.
- Never skip UVB. UVB is essential for normal calcium metabolism and healthy shell and bone development.
- Keep the basking dock completely dry. The turtle should be able to climb out of the water and dry its entire shell.
- Use strong filtration. Sliders produce considerably more waste than most aquarium fish.
- Monitor water parameters regularly and perform routine partial water changes.
- Don't use small gravel. Turtles may swallow it, potentially causing an intestinal obstruction; bare-bottom tanks or appropriately large, smooth substrate are safer options. Petco
- Feed appropriately for age. Young sliders need more protein, while adults should receive considerably more plant matter.
- Provide enrichment and swimming space. Branches, safe aquatic plants, platforms, and varied areas for exploration can make the enclosure more stimulating.
- Never release a pet slider outdoors. They can establish invasive populations and disrupt native ecosystems. MN DNR
In short: a charcoal red-eared slider may have an unusual dark appearance, but its husbandry requirements are essentially those of any red-eared slider—a very large aquatic enclosure, excellent filtration, UVB, heat, a dry basking area, clean water, and a varied age-appropriate diet.