Malaysian box Turtle
(Cuora amboinensis)

The Malaysian box turtle can be found in southeast Asia and Indonesia and can grow to eight to ten inches in length.The Malaysian box turtle has three yellow stripes on the head with a dark olive carapace.

Difficulty

NOVICE to MODERATE: The Malaysian box turtle's smaller size make it an excellent choice for hobbyists to keep. Malaysian box turtles do require specialized lighting.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (30 gallons or more, depending on the size of the Malaysian box turtle) with a secure lid with clamps

Substrate, such as:

• Pea gravel
• Sphagnum Moss

A heating element, such as:

• UV producing bulb
• Under the tank heater
• Incandescent heat bulb
• Ceramic infrared heat emitters

Enclosure

The Malaysian box turtle requires at least a 30-gallon aquarium. The aquarium should provide half land and half water, with a minimum water depth of 6 inches. This may be achieved using pea gravel. The water should be clean and clear and waste should be removed whenever it is found in the enclosure. Filtration prolongs the time between water changes, but should not be used as a substitute for water changes. Wastewater should not be emptied into a sink that is used for food preparation or personal hygiene.

Substrate

The substrate or bedding that you use is one of the most important parts of your Malaysian box turtle's home, since your turtle will be spending all of its time on it. Malaysian box turtles need plenty of space to swim and pea gravel can be used to create the land portion of the enclosure. Sphagnum moss, sterilized soil, and plants may be added to make the enclosure more attractive.

Heating and Light

Malaysian box turtles should have daytime temperatures of 70°F to 75°F with a 80°F to 85°F basking area under a spotlight. Nightime temperatures should be 65°F to 75°F. Water temperatures should be maintained at 80°F to 85°F. Malaysian box turtles require UV light for proper metabolic and bone development. This can be provided with fluorecent bulbs or mercury vapor spot lights which also provide heat. A spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures. Heated rocks and caves are never recommended for your Malaysian box turtle as they can lead to burns.

Diet

Malaysian box turtles are omnivorous. Various mixed greens, fruits in limited quantities, mushrooms, crickets, and wax worms should all be fed to Malaysian box turtles. It is recommended to offer the insect prey once or twice a week.