Yellow-Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta)
At a glance
| Adult size | 8-12 in shell length |
| Lifespan | 30-40 years |
| Enclosure | 75-gallon minimum for one adult |
| Temperature | Water 72-78°F · Basking 90-95°F |
| Humidity | Aquatic |
| UVB | Mandatory T5 HO over basking |
| Diet | Commercial pellets, aquatic plants, occasional protein |
| Handling | Low — bites possible, salmonella concerns |
Why this species
- Active, visible swimmer
- Long-lived
- Well-documented care
Why not
- Adult tank is heavy (75+ gallons of water)
- Strong filtration required
- 30-40 year commitment
- Often impulse-bought as hatchlings; adults frequently surrendered
Frequently asked questions
How big do Yellow-bellied sliders get?
8-12 inches shell length as adults. Similar to red-eared sliders.
How long do Yellow-bellied sliders live?
30-40 years with proper care.
Are Yellow-bellied sliders different from Red-eared sliders?
Same species (Trachemys scripta), different subspecies. Red-eared has the red ear marking; Yellow-bellied lacks it and has more yellow ventral coloration. Care is essentially identical.
What size tank does a Yellow-bellied slider need?
75-gallon minimum for one adult. 90-125 gallons is better.
Why do most turtle hatchlings end up surrendered?
Tank size, filtration, lifespan, and salmonella concerns catch impulse buyers off guard once the turtle grows past the cute hatchling stage.