Are Fish Allowed To Live With Turtles?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

If you’d like to add a few fish to your turtle’s habitat but aren’t sure if pet turtles can live with fish, the answer is yes.

Pet turtles can live in harmony with fish, with a few exceptions.

What type of fish can live with a turtle?

There are three kinds of fish that will fit in the fish tank together with the most common pet turtle. They are

tetra fish, zebrafish, yellow cichlids

. For those who have never put a fish in a turtle tank, it’s recommended that you start with a small amount of tetra or zebrafish. Both species are cheap.

Do turtles eat fish in ponds?

It is commonly believed that turtles eat the fish in farm ponds. Actually,

turtles do not seriously affect fish populations

. Recent studies indicate that the diets of most turtles contain less than 5 percent fish. These studies further show that most of the fish eaten are dead at the time turtles find them.

Can I put 2 turtles in the same tank?


Turtles of different species, in most cases, should not share a tank

. While turtles of varying species can be tranquil together, the potential problem is a health matter. If one turtle comes from a different area than another, one might be invulnerable to ailments the other carries.

Do turtles need companions?

They do not get lonely and

do not need a friend

. They are not cuddly and are happier if left alone much of the time. You can always put more than one turtle in the same tank, though some species tend to be more aggressive and some may fight, so this is best handled on a case by case basis.

Do turtles like to be touched?

Turtles are arguably the cutest of all of the reptiles. Because of this, they are often desirable pets. However,

turtles don’t really enjoy being handled and petted the same way other domestic animals do

. This makes petting them a little trickier.

What Animals Can Live With turtles?

  • Striped Raphael Catfish.
  • Common Plecostomus – Best for Large Environments.
  • Pictus Catfish.
  • Koi Fish.
  • Mystery Snails.
  • Goldfish.
  • Rosy-Red Minnows.
  • Guppies.

Is killing turtles illegal?

In the US,

some states have imposed bans on collecting turtles from the wild, including for their meat

. Turtle hunting in New York State regulates two species of turtles, the diamondback terrapin and the snapping turtle. Snapping turtles are allowed to be hunted only between July 15 and September 30.

Can turtles and fish live in the same pond?

This is a tricky question because

technically yes, they can live together

but it may take some work on your part and the risk of losing your precious koi. While turtles and koi have their own food requirements, they have considerable overlap and neither the turtles nor the fish have complicated diets.

Can I put turtle in my pond?


Turtles can make an excellent addition to your pond, although they do need considerable care and are not suitable for children

. The best type is aquatic, as they will rapidly acclimate themselves to the pond environment.

What do turtles play with?

Shells – Turtles love playing with

empty shells

. These are great natural toys for chasing, flipping, and investigating. Rafts – Your turtle will also love it if you put a small raft or other floating objects in their tank. They can sink them or push them around the tank.

Can I put a baby turtle with a big turtle?

Do turtles play together?

In general,

turtles are pretty solitary creatures

. They don’t look for or have the need for “friends,” but they do have to share environments most of the time. In these cases, though, their habitats are so big that they can get away from each other no problem.

Should you get 1 or 2 turtles?

In fact,

most turtles prefer not having other turtles around

. If your only reason for wanting to have two or more turtles is so that your one turtle “won’t be lonely,” don’t worry about that. Pet turtles don’t need company.

Do turtles get bored in a tank?


Yes, turtles can get bored

. Even if turtles don’t show their feelings as much as other animals they can get bored.

How do you make a turtle happy?

Do turtles cry?


Turtles cry a lot

…but not because they’re upset. Instead, turtles have glands that help them remove excess salt from their eyes. It might look like a turtle is crying, but really it’s just taking care of itself!

Do turtles feel love?


Yes, it can! Tortoises and turtles show affection in different ways than a human or dog would

. Yet, both turtles and tortoises are definitely able to show affection or at least a preference when it comes to their human friends.

Do turtles know their name?

Certain species of both turtles and tortoises make great pets. Tortoises are very smart and

can actually learn their name

. Turtles will also recognize their keepers, but mostly because they are excited you’re bringing them food.

Can turtle live with Molly fish?

The short answer is no. Aquatic turtles feed on fish.

If the fish is small enough, then the turtle will see the fish as food.

Can you keep Terrapins with fish?

Although only get one as they are solitary. They are good algae eaters and are very difficult to eat so if a terrapin does eat one, they won’t tackle another, although

if the fish is larger than they are, they shouldn’t bother with it

.

Can turtles live with betta fish?


No, you cannot keep a betta fish and turtle together even if it’s temporary

. If you try to put a betta fish with any type of turtle species, odds are that your fish won’t last even the week. The reasons why you can’t keep a betta fish with a turtle include diet, space, and water parameters.

Are turtles going extinct?

Not extinct

How long can a turtle live?

According to the Turtle Conservation Society, most turtle species live from

10 to 80 years

. But sea turtles and large land tortoises can live to be much older. Their lifespan can be 150 years or more.

Do turtles have tails?


Yes, all turtles have tails

. They aren’t seen in the early years but can be visible once they reach sexual maturity. The female turtle’s tail will be shorter than the male’s. Their tail acts only as a protection for their cloaca, whereas the tail in male turtles has a reproductive function.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.