Aquatic turtles can be excellent pets that are fun to keep, but for some people, it can get boring to look at the same singular animal in a tank, especially if they have lots of open swimming space. It can be tempting to add fish to the tank to add more movement and interest, and goldfish are often a top pick because they are inexpensive and docile. Will your turtle eat the goldfish you add to the tank, though? Yes, turtles will absolutely eat goldfish. In fact, some people purchase small feeder goldfish to intentionally feed to their turtles. Keep reading as we explain further.
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Do Turtles Eat Goldfish?
Turtles are omnivores that will eat just about anything that can fit into their mouth, so your turtle is likely to eat any goldfish that is small enough to fit.
Even with larger fish, your turtle may snap at them and damage their fins. If your intention is to keep goldfish alive in the tank with your turtle, know that this is not advised for a couple of reasons.
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The 4 Reasons Why Goldfish and Turtles Shouldn’t Be Kept Together
1. High Bioload
If you already have a turtle, then you’ve probably already figured out that they’re messy animals that require quite a bit of environmental upkeep. Goldfish also produce a high bioload in their environment. This means that keeping goldfish and turtles together can result in poor water quality, and it can require a high level of maintenance that many people aren’t willing to commit to or able to provide. Keeping these two animals together requires a large tank with lots of water space, high filtration, and routine water parameter checks and changes.
2. Choking Risk
Did we mention that turtles will eat almost anything that fits in their mouth? That means that if your turtle can catch it, they’ll probably eat it. Unfortunately, some turtles may misjudge the size of a goldfish. They may successfully catch them and get them into their mouth but then not be able to properly move the goldfish down to the stomach. This can lead to choking, and if your turtle chokes, they can die. Goldfish also contain lots of small bones that can damage your turtle’s digestive tract.
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3. Infectious Potential
It’s no secret that new fish can carry parasites and diseases, which is why it’s recommended to quarantine new fish. Goldfish that are sold as feeder fish are often kept in poorer conditions than the average fish, leading to a higher risk of infectious potential. These fish may pass parasites and bacterial infections to your turtle. This is uncommon, but definitely a risk for your turtle.
4. Vitamin B1 Deficiency
Even though goldfish are a popular feeder fish for turtles, they can actually be harmful to your turtle over time. Goldfish contain an enzyme called thiaminase, and thiaminase has the ability to degrade thiamine or vitamin B1. If your turtle consumes large quantities of goldfish, there is a real potential for the consumed thiaminase to lead to vitamin B1 deficiency, or deficiency hypovitaminosis B1. Vitamin B1 deficiencies can lead to respiratory failure, which will result in death if left untreated.
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In Conclusion
Turtles will eat goldfish when given the opportunity, but there are reasons that you shouldn’t attempt to keep these two animals in a shared tank or use goldfish as a routine part of your turtle’s diet. From water quality problems to choking and toxin hazards, goldfish and turtles simply aren’t built to live together in a captive environment.
Turtle shell rot is a common condition that affects both turtles and tortoises. It is very important that turtle owners are aware of the signs to watch out for as if caught early, treatment and management are relatively straightforward. If left untreated, it can become a serious problem and even result in death.
There are lots of ways turtle owners can prevent shell rot from occurring. This article will discuss diagnosis, treatment, and ways to avoid turtle shell rot.
What Is Turtle Shell Rot?
Turtle shell rot is a generic phrase used to describe the effects of bacteria, fungi, or algae causing disease affecting a turtle’s shell. Shell rot is often seen after only minor damage to the shell. In reality, even the smallest injury can allow for unwanted pathogens to access the well-variable area underneath the hard keratin layer of the shell. Turtle shell rot also goes by the name of ulcerative shell disease. It is an infection that develops on either the top half (called the carapace) or the bottom half (called the plastron) of the shell.
If the surface of the shell is in some way compromised, such as due to an injury, this can allow opportunistic organisms such as bacteria or fungi to infect the living tissue underneath the hard outer shell. In aquatic species of turtles, algae can also establish infection and cause ulcerative shell disease. Shell rot causes the destruction of the shell of the turtle. Deep abscesses will form that affect the surrounding tissues, which can be extremely painful and can fester for months or even years. This causes extensive damage to the underlying structures. If left untreated, the shell plates can eventually fall off.
Shell rot can progress to a severe form called septicemic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD).1 This occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream, and infection spreads around the turtle’s body.
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What Are the Signs of Turtle Shell Rot?
Shell rot is easy to spot as clinical signs can be seen on the surface of the shell. It is very important to be familiar with the early signs so that they can be caught early on before it has a detrimental effect on your turtle.
Early signs to watch out for that predispose your turtle to shell rot include any sort of damage to the turtle’s shell. This involves:
Dents in the shell
Pits in the shell
Holes in the shell
Any damage to the shell allows for bacteria and other infectious organisms to enter the shell and become established. Once this occurs the following signs can be seen:
White or grey spots on the shell
Uneven shell
Discoloration
Troughs and pits on the shell
Poor body condition
Moss growing on shell
Foul smell from the shell
Slime on shell
Softer shell
Parts of the shell missing
Flaking shell
Red fluid under the shell
Pus/discharge from shell
Loss of whole parts of the shell
It is important to check your turtle’s shell regularly for any abnormalities. When checking the underneath of the shell, do not flip your turtle over onto their back as this can cause them a great deal of stress.
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What Are the Causes of Turtle Shell Rot?
Shell rot is usually caused by damage to the shell that compromises its structural integrity.
Injury: Turtles can sustain injuries fighting. Turtles fight by biting, ramming their heads into each other, and scratching each other. Usually, fighting breaks out due to disputes over food, territory, or mating. When turtles reach sexual maturity, male turtles will fight other males for competition, and they will also fight females that they want to mate with. Turtles can also injure themselves if their enclosure is not appropriate—they can rub or scratch themselves on sharp or pointed objects or fall over. If their water is too shallow, they can jump in and injure themselves on the bottom of the pool.
Inappropriate climate: If your turtle’s living area is not kept at the correct temperature and humidity, this can cause issues for your turtle. If the enclosure is too hot or too cold, this can cause the shell to crack. If the humidity is too dry, this can cause skin and shell issues. If the climate is too moist, this may cause the shell to soften.
Poor vivarium hygiene: Dirty living quarters mean that bacteria and other pathogens are able to thrive. It is very important to ensure the vivarium is kept clean. Do not forget to clean out water bowls too. Soiled or rotting bedding materials can contribute to bacterial or fungal shell rot.
Ticks: Ticks can attach to your turtle easily and with their bite, can cause an entry route for infectious organisms to become established.
Water hygiene: In aquatic species, water hygiene is just as important as a clean vivarium. A good quality filtration system is vital. If a turtle is living in dirty water, infections are almost inevitable as they will be in close contact with pathogens constantly. Sterilizers can be added to the filtration circuit to reduce the incidence of skin and shell infections.
Diagnosis of Turtle Shell Rot
Diagnosis of turtle rot is based on the clinical history and thorough physical exam. Your vet will ask if there have been any recent illnesses or injuries that may be relevant. They will look at the condition of the shell and note any abnormalities or damage.
If there is any discharge or pus present, your vet may take samples to be analyzed. An X-ray may be required to assess the anatomy of the shell and any structural damage. An ultrasound scan is sometimes useful to assess fluid build-up or blood flow to certain areas.
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How Do I Care for a Turtle with Shell Rot?
If your turtle has a mild case of shell rot, this can be treated with a strict and vigorous cleaning regime. Usually, a solution containing chlorhexidine is chosen for this job. A soft bristle brush can be used to gently scrub the affected area. Ensure to rinse the solution off afterward and dry it. Your vet will advise you on the frequency however it is normally required at least twice daily for a number of weeks.
In some cases, your vet will need to debride the shell and remove any dead areas of the shell as they will continue to cause problems if left. The dead areas can be gently removed using a brush or scalpel blade. The shell is soaked initially with an iodine solution, then the shell is scrubbed to remove any loose debris. After this, larger dead pieces can be scraped or cut away.
If a bacterial infection is present, your vet will prescribe antibiotics. This can be in a topical form, oral tablets, or a combination of both. Your vet will usually choose antibiotics from a culture and sensitivity test of fluid or pus from an infected site.
If a fungal infection has been identified, antifungal medication will be prescribed by your vet.
If your turtle is extremely unwell, they may go off their food and require feeding tube placement. If this is the case, your vet will be able to place one and administer the correct nutrition. This is important in aiding a quick recovery.
How to Avoid Turtle Shell Rot
Keep your turtle’s environment clean
This is the simplest and arguably the most important thing owners can do. A deep clean of the vivarium once a week minimum is required, as well as daily cleaning of any mess the turtle has made and any soiled or wet bedding. Remove any uneaten food at the end of each day. Ensure no flies or other insects have access to the space. If you spot anything in there that looks dirty, remove it immediately.
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Ensure correct temperature and humidity
Temperature and humidity both need to be monitored closely to ensure they are correct for your turtle. Either extreme can cause shell rot to occur. Speak to your vet to make sure you know the correct temperature and humidity for the species of turtle you have. Keep a thermometer in the vivarium so that you can always check the temperature quickly. Be aware that you will need to adjust the temperature inside the vivarium in relation to the temperature outside. The temperature and humidity will also need adjusting if your turtle hibernates.
Ensure there are appropriate wet and dry areas
Make sure that your turtle has access to dry areas as well as water. Turtles require a dry area to bask in. If your turtle has nowhere to dry itself properly and has a wound on its shell, they are much more likely to develop shell rot if it is kept in damp, moist conditions.
Make a habit of checking your turtle over frequently from a young age so that they are used to being handled. Make sure to check both the carapace and the plastron and their tail, head, and legs thoroughly. If you notice any abnormalities, contact your vet immediately.
Identify potential hazards in the environment
Carry out a risk assessment on your turtle’s vivarium and ensure there are no sharp or spikey points that could potentially cause damage to the shell. Make sure there is nowhere they can fall easily or scrape their shells on anything abrasive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a turtle recover from shell rot?
Turtles usually make a full recovery from shell rot, providing it is identified and diagnosed promptly and that they receive the correct treatment. It can be a slow, progressive disease, therefore recovery can also be slow and progressive so don’t expect miracles in the first few days. If the disease is more severe and septic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD) has developed, this will hinder recovery and it will take a lot longer for your turtle to get back to normal.
Is shell rot painful for turtles?
Shell rot can be an extremely painful condition for turtles. Abscesses and swelling under the shell can press on local tissues and cause a great deal of pain. Damage to the shell is also painful. Infections cause local inflammation which leads to discomfort and can hinder the use of limbs and the tail and head.
Is shell rot contagious to other turtles?
Shell rot can be a highly contagious condition. If one turtle has an infection, it can easily spread to other turtles in the same environment if they come into close contact with each other. If you have a turtle with shell rot and they are housed with others, consider separating them and keep a close eye on the other turtles for any signs of disease.
Conclusion
Shell rot is a very common problem seen in turtles. It is fairly easy to treat with the right approach. Turtles can become very sick with shell rot, so it is important owners make sure they check their turtles regularly for signs and contact their vet immediately if they spot any.
If left untreated, shell rot can have devastating consequences. Prevention is better than cure so ensure you do everything you can to keep your turtle healthy and safe.
While turtles may have stoic faces and may not be very outwardly expressive, they can still feel a range of emotions. Though their ability to feel affection is contested, your turtle can certainly form a strong bond and attachment to you. Turtles may not show affection as humans do, but they can let you know that they’re comfortable around you. Here’s what we know about how turtles’ feelings work and how they can show that they like you.
A Turtle’s Range of Emotions
Turtles can feel emotions that help them with their survival. For example, they can feel instinctual fear to help protect them from natural predators. They can also feel aggressive when they must defend their territory.
When it comes to feeling affection, it’s unclear if turtles are capable of feeling this emotion. As pet owners that love their pets, we can often transfer our human emotions to our pets. So, it can seem like our turtles are returning the same love that we show them.
However, this doesn’t mean that turtles can’t form attachments. Turtles are capable of socializing and communicating with other turtles. So, if you have a basic understanding of turtle behavior, you can determine if your turtle feels comfortable around you, which signifies that your turtle likes being with you.
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Signs Your Turtle Is Comfortable Around You
While turtles can be vocal, you’ll most likely understand how your turtle is feeling through their body language. A content and relaxed turtle is out and about and will explore their enclosure. They may hide in a secluded place when they’re resting, but they won’t spend the majority of their waking hours hidden from view if they feel safe.
Over time, turtles can recognize their owners. So, if your turtle doesn’t hide from you when you’re around, it’s a good sign that they’re comfortable with you. You can help your turtle learn to recognize you more quickly if you’re the one who consistently feeds them. This helps them to establish a connection that you are their food supply, which will help them to remember you.
Many turtle owners also report that their turtles will watch them, and their heads will follow them if they’re walking around the room. Some turtles may splash and appear excited if they notice you near them. This can indicate that they’re excited to see you and are expecting food or a treat.
While not all turtles enjoy being held, your turtle can tolerate being held for a short period of time. If your turtle appears stressed or tries to run away when you’re nearby, they haven’t established a positive association with you just yet. However, with some time and patience, you can help your turtle feel more comfortable and relaxed. It’s also important to keep in mind that some turtles simply won’t enjoy being held. If this is the case, it’s best to respect your turtle’s boundaries and refrain from holding them unless it’s absolutely necessary.
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A Healthy Turtle Is a Happy Turtle
One of the best ways to know that your turtle is happy and content is through their health. A turtle’s health will deteriorate if they’re under constant stress. Creating a safe and cozy enclosure for your turtle and feeding them a nutritious diet can greatly contribute to their well-being and contentment.
So, one of the most effective ways to help your turtle feel safe and show signs of comfort when you’re nearby is to maintain a clean and engaging living space and feed them a healthy diet. It’s also helpful to look out for any signs of distress in your turtle. Turtles that feel stressed or unwell often withdraw their head and limbs into their shells. They’ll show general disinterest in normal activities, such as swimming and eating. They can also hide in one spot rather than exploring various parts of their enclosure.
If you notice any signs of distress in your turtle, make sure to identify the cause right away. It can be due to improper temperature levels, nutrition, or even having their enclosure situated in a loud place with a lot of foot traffic. It’s recommended to consult your veterinarian to determine what’s causing your turtle to feel stressed and develop an effective treatment plan to help your turtle feel healthy, safe, and comfortable.
Conclusion
Overall, turtles may not show affection in ways that humans do, but they can show signs that they’re comfortable being around you. Ensuring that your turtle is healthy and living in adequate living spaces will eventually help your turtle feel content and safe around you. If your turtle ever shows signs of distress or illness, it’s best to contact your veterinarian to help your turtle feel better and comfortable again.
