Trachemys grayi (Gray’s Slider)

Trachemys grayi, also known as Gray’s Slider, is a freshwater turtle found primarily in Central America. It’s closely related to the more well-known Red-Eared Slider and shares many of its behaviors but is geographically more restricted.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Trachemys
Species: Trachemys grayi

Common Names

Gray’s Slider
Mesoamerican Slider

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Identification

Description
Gray’s Slider has a dark green to olive carapace with faint yellow striping and a light yellow plastron marked with dark spots. The head and limbs have thin yellow stripes, and some individuals may show a red or orange tint behind the eyes, though less vivid than the Red-Eared Slider.

Sexual Dimorphism
Males are generally smaller than females but have longer tails and elongated claws on their front feet. Females have shorter claws and broader shells to accommodate egg-laying.

Check more turtles from the Trachemys genus

Trachemys stejnegeri vicina (Dominican slider)

Trachemys stejnegeri malonei (Inagua slider)

Trachemys stejnegeri stejnegeri (Puerto Rican slider)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range
This species is native to Central America, mainly found in Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and parts of Guatemala.

Preferred Habitat

Gray’s Slider prefers slow-moving freshwater bodies like rivers, ponds, lakes, and marshes with soft, muddy bottoms and plenty of aquatic vegetation. They are strong baskers and need sunny spots with logs or rocks.

Behavior

Feeding Habits
They are omnivorous. Juveniles eat more animal matter like insects, small fish, and aquatic snails. Adults shift to a more plant-heavy diet, feeding on algae, aquatic plants, and fruits.

Predators
Eggs and hatchlings are often preyed upon by birds, raccoons, and fish. Adults have fewer natural predators but can still fall victim to large mammals and humans.

Reproduction

Breeding Season
Breeding usually occurs during the warmer months, from late spring through summer, depending on local climate.

Reproductive Method
Females lay several clutches of eggs per season in sandy or soft soil near water. Clutch size can vary but usually includes 5–15 eggs. Incubation lasts 60–90 days.

Conservation

Extinction Status
Not Evaluated

Threats
Wetland destruction, pollution, competition with introduced species like Red-Eared Sliders, and illegal collection for the pet market pose risks to local populations.

Conservation Measures
Protection of freshwater habitats, monitoring of wild populations, and restrictions on wild collection help conserve this species.

Economic Importance

Gray’s Sliders are sometimes sold in the pet trade, though less frequently than their close relatives. In rural areas, they may also be used as a food source or for local trade.

Interesting Facts

Gray’s Slider can live over 20 years in the wild.
It basks in groups, often seen piled on logs.
It can recognize its keeper when kept in captivity.
They are very adaptable and can survive in disturbed or semi-urban habitats.

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.