Brazilian red-eared turtle is what we often call Brazilian turtle, also called Mississippi red-eared turtle. Although it is not native to China, it is very common. The Brazilian tortoise is cheap, so it is often chosen as the object of release, and because of this, it was once recognized as an alien invasive species.

The Brazilian tortoise released into the wild has no natural enemies, an amazing appetite and a fast reproduction speed, which will have an impact on the native species and even the native natural ecology. Therefore, in many countries, this release behavior is prohibited, and even the sale of Brazilian tortoises is considered illegal. Some animal protectionists, who catch Brazilian tortoises in the wild, will raise them themselves to protect the natural ecological environment in this way.

Chinese name: Brazilian red-eared turtle

Alias: Brazilian turtle, Mississippi red-eared turtle

Latin scientific name: Trachemys scripta elegans

Biological classification: Chordata, Reptilia, Tortoise, Zebalanidae, Colored Tortoise, Red-eared Colored Tortoise.

Distribution: Brazilian red-eared turtle is one of the most widely distributed turtle species in the world today. Its origin is along the Mississippi River in the south-central United States, spanning more than ten continents in the United States.

Habitat: aquatic

Living habits: Brazilian tortoise lives in water most of the time, likes clean water quality, has no gills and breathes with lungs, so it is not easy to raise the water level too high, and it is necessary to lay a terrace for Brazilian tortoise to rest.

Feeding habits: Carnivores like small fish, shrimps and insects.

Adult size: adult can reach 36~40cm and weigh 500~800 grams.

Reproductive characteristics: sexual maturity is generally 4~5 years. The mating period is from May to August every year, and the eggs are laid 3-4 times a year, with 1~ 17 eggs each time. The number of eggs laid depends on the individual size of the turtle. Before laying eggs, the turtle digs 1 cave with a diameter of 8 cm and a depth of 10 cm, and lays eggs in the cave.

Feeding difficulty: simple

Hibernate or not: hibernate

Price: It's cheap. Usually, 50 grams of young turtles are common in the market, and the price ranges from 5 to 25 yuan.