Alligator Snapping Turtle, lat. Macrochelys temminckii- Macrochelys temminckii distribution
Family: Chelydridae;
Genus: Macrochelys;
Species and synonyms: Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii, Alligator Snapping Turtle, Alligator Snapper, Geierschildkröte).
GBIF:
Alligator Snapping Turtle (lat. Macrochelys temminckii) is a species of freshwater turtle from the order Testudines, family Chelydridae, genus Macrochelys. One of the largest and most ancient freshwater turtles in the world.
Distribution. The natural range of the Alligator Snapping Turtle covers rivers and lakes of the southeastern United States, mainly in the Mississippi and Missouri river basins, as well as from Florida to Texas. Turtles prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in rivers, lakes, canals and swamps with dense vegetation.
Care requirements. The Alligator Snapping Turtle is a very large turtle, growing up to 60–80 cm in the aquarium and up to 100 cm in the wild, weighing up to 80–100 kg. To keep a pair or a group, an aquarium of at least 1000 liters with a length of 200 cm, with powerful filtration and a shoreline area, is required. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are important. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, large driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants should have tough leaves or be potted.
Alligator Snapping Turtles are predators, feeding on fish, invertebrates, worms, amphibians and even small mammals in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality sinking pellets for turtles, live and frozen foods (fish, shrimp, mussels, bloodworms, worms). It is important to provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Alligator Snapping Turtles are active in the lower and middle water layers. They are aggressive and dangerous, especially during spawning. It is recommended to keep them in a species-only aquarium. It is not recommended to keep them with small fish that will be perceived as food, or with other turtles.
Breeding in home aquariums is extremely difficult and requires special conditions. Alligator Snapping Turtles are egg-laying, laying eggs on the shore in warm, moist sand. They reach sexual maturity at 10–15 years. Breeding requires spacious aquariums and special incubation conditions.
The Alligator Snapping Turtle gets its name from its characteristic beak-like mouth and powerful jaws, as well as a long worm-like appendage on its tongue, which it uses to lure prey. The shell is grey-brown or olive, with three longitudinal keels. It is one of the most aggressive and largest freshwater turtles, requiring a huge aquarium and careful care. Life expectancy is 30–50 years or more.