Snake Neck Turtle (Chelodina rugosa)

Common Name: Snake-Necked Turtle
Scientific Name: Chelodina rugosa
Source: CF
Adult Size: 25–30cm shell length (carapace)
Native Range: Northern Australia and southern New Guinea; inhabits slow-moving rivers, billabongs, and seasonal floodplains

Enclosure: A custom-built Viperia PVC vivarium sized to suit — use the Vivarium Calculator to spec the right dimensions. Chelodina rugosa are primarily aquatic and require a large, deep water section occupying the majority of the enclosure floor space, with a secure, accessible basking platform above the water line, a powerful external or internal canister filter to maintain water quality, and a robust lid to prevent escape.
Heating: Basking spot 30–35°C; ambient air temperature 24–28°C; water temperature maintained at 22–26°C; a modest night-time drop to around 20°C is acceptable
Humidity: 60–80%; the large water body naturally maintains ambient humidity — ensure adequate ventilation to prevent stagnation whilst retaining moisture
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask 20–30cm from the lamp; UVB supports calcium metabolism and overall health and is strongly recommended even for aquatic species that spend significant time under a basking lamp
Diet: Carnivorous — offer a varied diet of aquatic invertebrates, earthworms, feeder fish, prawns, and turtle-specific pelleted food. Juveniles feed every 1–2 days; adults can be fed every 2–3 days. Feed in the water where possible, as these turtles are adapted to strike and swallow prey aquatically.

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Snake-Necked Turtle is a striking freshwater species from the tropical north of Australia and New Guinea, instantly recognisable by its extraordinarily long neck — sometimes nearly as long as its shell — which it uses to make rapid, sideways snapping strikes at prey. Found naturally in seasonally flooding wetlands and slow rivers, it is a fascinating and prehistoric-looking animal that draws plenty of attention in any well-set-up aquatic display.

These turtles are best suited to keepers who have some experience with aquatic setups, as water quality management is the cornerstone of keeping them healthy. They are not particularly handleable — they are primarily display animals — but their active hunting behaviour, unusual proportions, and inquisitive nature make them hugely rewarding to observe and care for.