Red-eared slider turtle
Red eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Underside red eared slider turtle
Freshwater species not currently found in Australia.
The red-eared slider turtle is a very aggressive hunter that:
- competes with native turtles for food and habitat.
- preys on native species of fish.
Declared species under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. It may not be held, traded or released in South Australia without specific authorisation.
What to look for:
- up to 40 cm carapace length
- carapace usually a dark green background (although light green in juveniles) with yellow markings
- distinctive red or orange line between ear and eyes.
Page Last Reviewed: 03 Jul 2023