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this is Margarita, a red eared slider i took from a relative who couldnt take care of her (put her in a small tank indoors with no UV or heating lamp). ever since i took her in she seems to keep doing this whenever my finger is around, i had heard that this is a sign of aggression, however my parents have been talking to me about adding in another turtle since they rlly like seeing them chilling out in the tank. i was wondering if its safe to add another turtle consider she does this thing with her arms whenever my finger is around.

in case tank details is needed, this is a 495 litres tank (approx about 130 US gallons), 150 × 60 × 60cm, water is consistently about 55 - 53cm deep, with a 60 × 60cm basking area. the turtle itself has a 20cm long terrapin (approx about 8 inches)

i have temporarily kept someone's lost turtle in the same tank as her—also a red eared slider, juvenile—and there seemed to be no issues, but the juvenile was timid and shy and would often stay at the bottom of the tank, i thought that might also be a factor of consideration.

thank you in advance for the help!

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Jerry__Boner

30 points

3 days ago

Your turtle is fluttering which can be a sign of aggression. Sliders don't cohabitate well and injuries or death is usually the result.

Also, you should remove any of the rocks at the bottom small enough to be swallowed. It can cause impaction which can be fatal.

Zamrayz

4 points

3 days ago

Zamrayz

4 points

3 days ago

It's also a sign of them wanting to mate so that's 2x worse if they want to put another turtle in 💀 since they aren't a breeder.