Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Turtles > small aquatic turtle

small aquatic turtle

22 16:47:14

Question
My small aquatic turtle has what appears to be moss growing on it's shell and is now not eating.  Is this normal or is there something I need to be doing that I'm not aware of?  

Answer
Hi Deborah,

Turtles can have growth on their shells, such as algae. This is not always a cause for concern and can be gently scrubbed off using a soft toothbrush.  The not eating with this would  cause me to think that water conditions aren't good and the turtle may be possibly ill and that what you are noting on the shell may be shell-rot (infection of the shell caused by organisms such as bacterial or fungal).  

I'd recommend evaulating environment and to correct any shortcomings found.

Here are a couple of care sheets that might help with environment:

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm
http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/turtles/red-ear-slider.php

Here is a link that discusses potential health issues (assuming you have a red ear slider, but other aquatic species have the same problems)

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/res.html

If you could, please provide more information on habitat, including water temperatures, basking area and temperatures, lighting, etc.  It would also be most helpful to know what kind of turtle you have to render more advise.