Turtles For Sale At Lfs - Are They Tropical?

[jenny6165]

one of my lfs has a tank full of small turtles. they had an adult turtle next to it that was about 15cm i guess.
i know its not much of a description, but does anyone know what they might be?

 

[black angel]

Could be red eared terrapins or sliders as they call them in America.
Those are the most commonly available.
If it is them then they grow to the size of dinner plates, are very messy, stinky and require at least a 4 foot tank just for one.
I used to keep them when i was younger so they are a lot of work. Filtration needs to be really big to deal with the waste.
I know they look cute now but they grow big fast and will if put with your fish eat them.
They also need a landing spot so they can bask under the lights, not practical in a fish tank.

Best avoided unless you can give them heaps of room.

They also carry bacteria on the shells such as salmonella, so great care needs to be taken when handling and placing hands in the water.

And they give a nasty bite

 

[n3ont3tra]

Most likely a RES (Red Eared Slider).

http/www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/care..._ear_slider.htm

 

[Saedcantas]

Could be red eared terrapins or sliders as they call them in America.
Those are the most commonly available.
If it is them then they grow to the size of dinner plates, are very messy, stinky and require at least a 4 foot tank just for one.
I used to keep them when i was younger so they are a lot of work. Filtration needs to be really big to deal with the waste.
I know they look cute now but they grow big fast and will if put with your fish eat them.
They also need a landing spot so they can bask under the lights, not practical in a fish tank.

Best avoided unless you can give them heaps of room.

They also carry bacteria on the shells such as salmonella, so great care needs to be taken when handling and placing hands in the water.

And they give a nasty bite

While I too would be inclined to steer this person away from keeping what are probably yellow bellied terrapins in UK trade at the moment, I do think you've been a smidge harsh on the poor things!

Although I certainly agree that they are large, fast growing, messy, require great filtration, will eat fish and certainly will not thrive as they should kept as fish in an ordinary fishtank.
They are reptiles with specialist needs and must be kept as such

They are however not particularly likely to bite you unless they mistake your fingers dangling into the water for food. They are also no more likely to give you Salmonellosis than the average cat, dog or mouse.
Provided you exercise the same basic hygiene you should utilise when dealing with or handling all and any pets, you really are exceedingly unlikely to contract salmonella from your turtle (unless you eat it's poo...).

Here's my own caresheet on Yellow Bellied Sliders/Turtles/Terrapins;
UA forums Yellow Bellied Terrapin care...

It's certainly important that you find out exactly what they are so you know what you would be getting into
Lotte***