Red Eared Sliders Turtle – Hardy, Aquatic Pet for Families and Hobbyists in the UAE

The Red Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one of the most popular aquatic turtles in the world. Easily recognizable by the distinctive red stripe behind each eye, this species is known for its friendly demeanor, engaging behavior, and adaptability. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced reptile enthusiast, the Red Eared Sliders is a fascinating and rewarding companion that thrives in a well-maintained aquatic habitat.

At Sahara Exotics in Ajman, UAE, we provide healthy, captive-bred Red Eared Sliders, ready to become part of homes across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the Emirates. With proper care, these turtles can live long, active lives and bring joy to both children and adults.

Appearance and Size

Red Eared Sliders have a smooth, streamlined shell and strong, webbed feet adapted for swimming. Their skin is olive green with yellow stripes, and their shell (carapace) features light patterns that become more defined as they grow. The signature red markings just behind each eye give them their name and make them easy to identify.

Juvenile sliders are typically around 4–6 cm in shell length, while adult females can reach 25–30 cm. Males usually remain slightly smaller, around 20–25 cm. As they mature, their shell coloration may darken, and patterns can change subtly with age.

Behavior and Temperament

Red Eared Sliders are active, alert, and entertaining to observe. They often recognize their caregivers and will swim to the front of the tank when it’s feeding time. While not fond of handling, they are not aggressive and are generally tolerant of observation and light interaction.

Key behavior traits:

• Diurnal – active during the day

• Strong swimmers and enthusiastic baskers

• Curious and responsive to routine

• Not suited for handling as a regular interaction

They enjoy a combination of swimming space and basking areas, and their behavior is a mix of aquatic agility and relaxed sunbathing.

Enclosure and Habitat Setup in UAE Conditions

To properly house a Red Eared Slider in the UAE, a balance of water quality, heating, and lighting must be maintained. While small turtles are often sold in basic containers, this setup is inadequate for their long-term health and growth.

Recommended setup:

• Tank size:

  • Juvenile: Minimum 75–100 liters

  • Adult: 200 liters or more, with a strong filtration system

• Water depth: Should allow the turtle to swim freely and turn comfortably

• Basking area: Dry platform with easy access for climbing

• Temperature:

  • Water: 24°C to 27°C (with aquarium heater)

  • Basking spot: 30°C to 32°C (with heat lamp)

• Lighting:

  • UVB light required for 10–12 hours/day

  • Basking light to maintain warmth

• Filtration: Canister or submersible filter to maintain water quality

• Substrate: Bare bottom or smooth river stones (avoid small gravel)

Humidity isn’t a major concern as the turtle is primarily aquatic, but ambient air temperature around the basking area should be comfortable and not drop too low, especially in air-conditioned UAE rooms.

Diet and Feeding

Red-Eared Sliders are omnivores. Their diet changes with age—from more protein-based in youth to more plant-based as adults.

Feeding recommendations:

• Juveniles: Turtle pellets, feeder fish, bloodworms, crickets

• Adults: Leafy greens (kale, romaine), aquatic plants, chopped vegetables, occasional protein (shrimp, insects)

• Supplements: Calcium blocks or cuttlebone to support shell health

Feed them daily when young, then every other day as adults. Uneaten food should be removed quickly to keep the water clean.

Lifespan and General Care

With the right setup and attention, Red-Eared Sliders can live 20–30 years in captivity. They are a long-term commitment but one that pays off with their active and engaging presence.

Routine care includes:

• Daily spot cleaning of leftover food

• Weekly water changes or as needed depending on filtration

• UVB bulb replacement every 6 months

• Monitoring for healthy shell growth and alert behavior

• Occasional vet checks for shell rot, infections, or nutritional concerns

At Sahara Exotics, our turtles are raised in healthy aquatic systems and accustomed to regular feeding routines. We also offer complete turtle kits including enclosures, lighting, filters, and food to help new owners get started with confidence.