Trachemys decussata (Cuban Slider)
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The Cuban slider, Trachemys decussata, is a freshwater turtle native to Cuba. It’s a close relative of the more well-known red-eared slider and is popular in the pet trade due to its attractive coloring and adaptability.
Native To These Regions
CubaNative Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Trachemys
Species: Trachemys decussata
Common Names
Cuban Slider
Cuban Pond Turtle
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Identification
Description
The Cuban slider has a smooth, oval carapace that can reach about 30 cm (12 inches) in length. Its shell is usually olive to dark green with yellow markings. The skin is green with thin yellow stripes, and it often has a yellow or orange spot behind the eyes.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are usually smaller than females and have longer front claws and tails. Females have shorter tails and larger, broader shells.
Check more turtles from the Trachemys genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is native to Cuba and Isla de la Juventud. It has also been introduced to Jamaica and other Caribbean islands.
Preferred Habitat
Cuban sliders live in freshwater habitats like ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and marshes. They prefer areas with soft bottoms, aquatic vegetation, and sunny spots for basking.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
They are omnivorous. Young turtles eat more insects and small aquatic animals, while adults shift to a diet with more plants, algae, and leafy greens.
Predators
Natural predators include birds of prey, large fish, raccoons, and humans. Eggs and hatchlings are especially vulnerable.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding usually occurs from late spring through summer.
Reproductive Method
Females lay clutches of 5–20 eggs in sandy or soft soil near water. After 60–90 days of incubation, hatchlings emerge and head toward water.
Conservation
Extinction Status: not evaluated
Threats
Main threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and competition or hybridization with introduced slider species.
Conservation Measures
Efforts include habitat protection and regulation of the pet trade to avoid uncontrolled introductions and genetic mixing.
Economic Importance
The Cuban slider is sold in the pet trade, especially in regions where red-eared sliders are restricted. They also help control insect populations and algae in natural ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Cuban sliders can live more than 30 years in captivity with proper care.
They are strong swimmers and excellent baskers, often piling on top of one another on logs.
Though less famous than their red-eared cousins, they are just as hardy and adaptable.
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.
