The Murray River Turtle (Emydura macquarii), also known as the Murray Short-necked Turtle, is a freshwater turtle native to Australia’s Murray-Darling river system. This semi-aquatic reptile spends most of its time in the water but needs regular access to a dry basking area to thermoregulate and stay healthy. Murray River Turtles typically reach a shell length of 30 to 40 centimetres as adults and can live for 50 to 60 years with proper care, making them a genuine lifetime commitment. Known for being powerful swimmers with a broad, rounded shell and a curious, food-motivated personality, they’re a rewarding pet for keepers ready to maintain a dedicated aquatic setup long-term.
On This Page: Basic Information, Essential Supplies, Housing, Environment, Diet & Feeding, Behaviour & Handling, Common Health Concerns, Health, Hygiene & Safety, Record Keeping, Holiday Care, Transportation, Compatibility with Other Animals, Licensing, Helpful Reptile Keeping Links
Basic Information
The Murray River Turtle is native to the Murray-Darling river system across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where it inhabits rivers, lakes and wetlands. Adults typically grow to a shell length of around 30 to 40 centimetres, with females generally larger than males. This species has a shorter, thicker neck and a more streamlined, rounded shell compared to other native turtles, and is a strong, active swimmer. With a lifespan of 50 to 60 years, keeping one is a genuine long-term commitment spanning decades. They’re active during the day (diurnal) and often become quite interactive with their owners, particularly around feeding time. Because of the consistent water quality, heating and lighting demands involved, this species is best suited to keepers with some prior aquatic or reptile experience.
Essential Supplies
Carry Enclosure: A sturdy, escape-proof and well-ventilated carry enclosure is mandatory for all reptiles leaving Birdsville, turtles included. Carry enclosures are essential for any reptile transportation.
Enclosure: Adults require a minimum enclosure of 180 × 60 × 60 cm with a water depth of at least 30–40 cm, sufficient for the turtle to swim and turn freely – Murray River Turtles are strong swimmers and need considerably more space than smaller turtle species. Glass aquariums, stock tanks, custom turtle enclosures, or outdoor ponds may all be suitable depending on the turtle’s size and your ability to maintain water quality. Larger enclosures are always preferable, and juveniles can start smaller before being upgraded as they grow.
Filtration System: A high-quality filtration system is essential, as turtles produce significantly more waste than fish of a comparable size. A powerful external canister filter or equivalent aquatic filtration system should be used to maintain clean water. Regular filter media maintenance and water quality monitoring help reduce the risk of illness.
Water Heater: A thermostatically controlled aquarium heater may be needed to maintain stable water temperatures, particularly indoors. Water temperature should generally sit around 22–26°C. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
UVB Lighting: UVB lighting is an important part of indoor turtle husbandry, supporting vitamin D3 production, calcium metabolism, and healthy shell and bone development. Position a suitable reptile UVB light over the basking area and replace bulbs according to manufacturer recommendations, as UV output degrades over time.
Basking Heat Lamp: A basking area is essential so the turtle can leave the water and thermoregulate. The basking surface should generally reach approximately 30–35°C and allow the turtle’s shell to fully dry.
Basking Platform: Provide a stable, easily accessible dry platform where the turtle can climb completely out of the water. Platforms must be secure, non-toxic, and large enough for the turtle to rest comfortably.
Water Conditioners and Testing Equipment: Monitor water quality regularly – testing for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH helps catch problems before they affect the turtle’s health. Use appropriate water treatments to remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water.
Feeding Equipment: Feeding tongs, containers and storage equipment help with safe, hygienic feeding. Keep all feeding equipment clean and separate from household items.
Housing
Murray River Turtles are primarily aquatic and require a generously sized, well-maintained enclosure. A single adult needs a minimum of 180 × 60 × 60 cm with a water depth of at least 30–40 cm, sufficient for the turtle to swim and turn freely – this species is a particularly strong swimmer and benefits from more open water space than other native turtles. The enclosure should provide adequate swimming depth, a secure dry basking area, strong filtration, safe access points, and protection from escape and predators. Outdoor ponds may be suitable for adults when properly designed, with secure barriers, predator protection, appropriate depth, and suitable environmental conditions.
TIP: If your turtle is frequently restricted in movement or unable to swim naturally, the enclosure may be too small and should be upgraded.
Environment
Maintaining stable environmental conditions is essential for turtle health. Water temperature should generally remain around 22–26°C, with a basking area reaching approximately 30–35°C via a dedicated basking heat lamp alongside a UVB lamp. The basking area should occupy roughly 25% of the tank’s surface area to provide adequate space. A consistent day/night lighting cycle should be maintained alongside the UVB light. Clean water is one of the most important aspects of turtle care – regular water changes, effective filtration, and prompt waste removal all help prevent bacterial and fungal problems. Small weekly water changes alongside regular water testing are recommended.
Diet & Feeding Murray River Turtles
Murray River Turtles are omnivorous, requiring a varied diet of both animal and plant-based foods. Suitable foods include high-quality aquatic turtle pellets, insects, fish or other aquatic prey, occasional shrimp or prawns, and leafy greens and aquatic plants. This species tends to accept a growing proportion of plant matter as it matures, compared to some other native turtles that stay more carnivorous. Juveniles generally need more frequent feeding, while adults require less frequent meals to avoid obesity. Avoid feeding excessive high-fat foods or relying on a single food source.
Feeding Baby Murray River Turtles: Hatchlings and young turtles need noticeably more animal protein than adults, as they’re strongly carnivorous in their first year or so before gradually shifting toward the more plant-inclusive diet seen in mature adults. Feed babies daily or close to it, offering small portions – roughly the size of the turtle’s head, or an amount they’ll finish within 10-15 minutes. Frozen bloodworms are a genuinely popular and convenient staple for baby turtles and a great starting point, alongside chopped fish, yabbies, small pieces of prawn, and juvenile-sized turtle pellets. It’s worth offering finely chopped leafy greens and soft aquatic plants from an early age too, even if they’re largely ignored at first, to help babies develop the habit of eating plant matter as their diet naturally broadens with age. As with all turtles, feed babies in water rather than on a dry surface, since aquatic turtles need water to swallow, and remove any uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Safe foods include duckweed, elodea (anacharis), ribbonweed (vallisneria), hornwort, azolla, guppy grass, water wisteria, and Amazon frogbit as genuine food sources, along with leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, plus endive, zucchini, carrot, pumpkin, and small pieces of apple. Java fern, anubias and amazon sword are also safe to include in the enclosure for enrichment, though turtles generally leave them alone rather than eat them.
Foods to avoid include avocado, onions, citrus fruits, and iceberg lettuce.
Behaviour & Handling
Murray River Turtles are active, curious animals but generally don’t enjoy frequent handling. Keep handling to necessary situations such as health checks, enclosure maintenance, or transport. Always support the turtle’s body securely, and avoid dropping it or turning it upside down unnecessarily. Providing plenty of opportunity for swimming, basking, exploration and natural foraging supports good long-term welfare.
Common Health Concerns
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): This develops when a turtle doesn’t get enough calcium, vitamin D3, or UVB exposure. Signs include a soft or deformed shell, weakness, difficulty moving, or abnormal growth. Prevent it with proper UVB lighting, calcium supplementation (such as cuttlebone or calcium powder), and a balanced diet.
Shell Rot: A bacterial or fungal infection causing soft, discoloured, or smelly patches on the shell, usually linked to poor water quality, insufficient time out of water, or an untreated shell injury. A strong filter, regular water changes, and a warm, genuinely dry basking area all help prevent it.
Respiratory Infections: Cold water or a cold basking area can lead to respiratory illness. Signs include difficulty swimming, wheezing, open-mouth breathing, nasal discharge, or floating unevenly in the water. Keep both water and basking temperatures correct using a heater and heat lamp, and seek veterinary care promptly if symptoms appear.
Vitamin A Deficiency: A diet lacking variety, particularly one reliant on cheap pellets alone, can cause swollen or puffy eyes, poor vision, and lethargy. Prevent this with a balanced diet including dark leafy greens, live or frozen protein, and quality turtle pellets.
Parasites and Fungal Infections: Poor water quality, stress, or contact with an infected animal can lead to parasites or fungal infections, the latter often appearing as white, fuzzy patches on skin or shell. Watch for unusual skin patches, weight loss, or reduced appetite, and quarantine any new turtle before introducing it to an existing setup. Consult a reptile vet if you notice unusual growths or ongoing changes.
Obesity: Overfeeding can lead to obesity, seen as fat bulging around the legs and neck or difficulty retracting into the shell. Ensure plenty of swimming space and exercise opportunity, and adjust feeding amounts based on age, size and activity level.
Red Flags in Turtle Health: loss of appetite, lethargy, a soft or rubbery shell, discolouration or spots on the shell or skin, and floating or being unable to submerge properly are all signs that warrant a vet check.
Health, Hygiene & Safety
Wash your hands before and after handling the turtle or cleaning its enclosure. Freshwater turtles can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, so good hygiene is essential, especially around children and vulnerable individuals. Clean filters regularly, remove waste promptly, maintain water quality, and disinfect equipment appropriately using reptile-safe products.
Record Keeping
Keep a log of feeding schedule and food types offered, water changes, filter maintenance, UVB bulb replacement dates, weight and growth, and any health concerns or veterinary visits. Turtles often hide symptoms until a problem becomes serious, so tracking eating habits, weight, shell condition and behaviour over time helps you notice subtle changes early and gives a vet accurate history to work from if care is ever needed.
Holiday Care
For short absences, automatic lighting timers and reliable filtration can help maintain the enclosure. For longer periods away, arrange a knowledgeable carer who can monitor water quality, check equipment (filters, heaters, lights) is working, handle feeding, and observe the turtle’s general behaviour. Provide clear written instructions and emergency contact details.
Transportation
Transport in a secure, ventilated container lined with damp paper towel or similar moist material – avoid transporting turtles in water, as spills and temperature swings create unnecessary risk. Keep the container away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and unnecessary disturbance during travel.
Compatibility with Other Animals
Murray River Turtles are best housed individually unless kept in a suitably large, carefully managed enclosure. Housing multiple turtles together can lead to competition, aggression, stress or injury. Avoid housing them with fish, amphibians or other aquatic animals unless their compatibility and welfare can be confidently managed. Keep cats, dogs and other household pets away from the enclosure to prevent injury or stress to the turtle.
Licensing
A Native Animal Keeper Licence is required to own a Murray River Turtle in NSW and must be obtained through Service NSW prior to purchase. All turtles must be captive-bred and sourced from licensed breeders or registered pet stores. Wild collection and release of captive turtles is illegal. Keepers must comply with the NSW Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Reptiles, including housing, welfare and record-keeping requirements.
Helpful Reptile Keeping Links
NSW Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Reptiles: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/publications/code-practice-private-keeping-reptiles
Understanding the licences: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/licences-and-permits/wildlife-licences/native-animals-as-pets/reptile-keeper-licences
Applying for a native animal keeper licence: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-native-animal-keeper-licence
