Trachemys stejnegeri stejnegeri (Puerto Rican slider)
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The Puerto Rican slider is a freshwater turtle known for its basking behavior and smooth shell. It’s a subspecies of the Trachemys stejnegeri group and is native to Puerto Rico. This turtle plays a role in the island’s aquatic ecosystems and is often spotted in calm water bodies.
Native To These Regions
Puerto Rico (USA)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Trachemys
Species: Trachemys stejnegeri
Subspecies: Trachemys stejnegeri stejnegeri
Common Names
Puerto Rican slider
Puerto Rican pond slider
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Identification
Description
The Puerto Rican slider has a smooth, oval shell that ranges from olive to brown with yellow markings. Its skin is greenish with bright yellow stripes, and it has a slightly domed carapace. As it matures, the colors may become darker and more subdued.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are usually smaller than females but have longer tails and longer front claws. Females grow larger, often reaching over 10 inches in shell length, while males are around 7 to 8 inches.
Check more turtles from the Trachemys genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This subspecies is native to Puerto Rico and some of its surrounding islands. It can also be found in nearby regions where it may have been introduced.
Preferred Habitat
The turtle prefers freshwater environments like ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. It likes areas with soft bottoms, lots of aquatic vegetation, and places to bask like rocks or logs.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
Puerto Rican sliders are omnivores. They eat plants, algae, insects, snails, small fish, and carrion. Juveniles tend to eat more animal matter, while adults eat more vegetation.
Predators
Hatchlings are eaten by birds, large fish, and mammals. Adults are less vulnerable but can still be preyed on by raccoons and large birds of prey.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating usually occurs in warmer months, especially from spring to early summer.
Reproductive Method
The female lays several clutches per season, each with 4 to 20 eggs. She digs a hole in soft soil near water to lay the eggs. Hatchlings emerge after about 60 to 90 days, depending on temperature.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Near Threatened
Threats
Habitat destruction, pollution, and competition from invasive turtle species like the red-eared slider pose risks. Road kills and illegal pet trade also contribute to local declines.
Conservation Measures
Local protections include habitat conservation and some restrictions on turtle trade. Education programs promote awareness of native turtle species.
Economic Importance
These turtles are sometimes kept as pets, though this is discouraged due to the risk of illegal capture. They also help control insect and algae populations in natural water systems.
Interesting Facts
The Puerto Rican slider is one of the few turtles that can thrive in both man-made and natural water bodies. It can stay underwater for long periods by slowing its heart rate. Basking in the sun is not just for warmth—it helps kill parasites and dry out the shell.
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.
