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Alligator Snapping Turtle — Fact Sheet

Macrochelys temminckii · Alligator Snapping Turtle

📋 At a glance

Adult size40-80 cm
Lifespan50-100 years
SubspeciesNo captive-care subspecies split
OriginSee the full care guide for distribution details.
ActivityCathemeral
DifficultyExpert
LegalCITES: Appendix II; EU: Annex B; large-snapping-turtle and local rules still apply

🏠 Enclosure

  • Use the enclosure dimensions, heating, humidity, and safety values from the structured care profile and full care guide.

🌡️ Temperature

  • Basking spot: 28-32 °C
  • Warm zone: 20-26 °C
  • Cool zone: 18-20 °C
  • Night: 18-22 °C

🪳 Feeding

  • Feed according to the prey type and schedule in the structured care profile; remove uneaten prey promptly.

🩺 Health — warning signs

  • Watch for appetite loss, abnormal posture, injury, breathing issues, failed shedding or molting, and sustained weight loss.