Common Name: Northern Snake-Necked Turtle
Scientific Name: Chelodina rugosa
Source: CF
Adult Size: Typically 20-25 cm carapace length
Native Range: Northern Australia and southern New Guinea
Enclosure: Large aquatic setup; minimum 120 × 45 cm footprint for an adult with ample swimming depth
Heating: Water 28 °C / Basking area 30-32 °C / Night drop to 22-24 °C
Humidity: Not critical if fully aquatic; ensure clean, well-filtered water with good airflow above basking area
UVB: medium output
Diet: Carnivorous; aquatic invertebrates, insects, fish and quality turtle pellets; juveniles fed daily, adults 3 times weekly
Water: Deep, dechlorinated water with strong filtration; regular partial water changes essential
ABOUT THIS SPECIES
The Northern Snake-Necked Turtle is a side-necked freshwater species recognised for its unusually long, flexible neck, which folds sideways beneath the shell rather than retracting straight back. The carapace is typically brown to dark olive, often with a smooth, slightly oval profile.
In the wild it inhabits billabongs, swamps and slow-moving waterways across tropical northern Australia, coping with seasonal changes in water availability. It is an active, largely aquatic turtle that spends most of its time swimming or resting submerged, surfacing regularly to breathe. A spacious aquatic enclosure with effective filtration and a reliable basking area supports normal behaviour and shell condition. This species is best suited to keepers prepared for a permanent, high-capacity aquatic setup.
