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.
Characteristics:
- 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