MALAYAN BOX TURTLE

(Cuora amboinensis)

The genus Cuora also includes C. flavomarginata, C. galbinifrons, and C. trifasciata.  Their care is similar to C. amboinensis;  However, C. flavomarginata and C. trifasciata experience much lower temperatures annually, and keepers of C. flavomarginata exerience dramatic increases in breeding/fertility after the animals have been subjected to lower temperatures. 

 

Because this is a species that is imported, it is important to treat for parasites immediately upon arrival.  Obtain a fecal sample, and take it and your pet to a reputable reptile vet for the proper medication to treat for any parasites your pet may have.  Afterward, their appetite should increase.  Live food is a good way to get them started eating. 

 

These boxies come from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sulawesi, Amboina, and parts of the Philippines.  In their natural habitat, they inhabit marshes, flooded rice paddies, and slow-moving streams.  C. amboinensis need equal areas of both land and water.

 

This boxie can achieve quite a large size of up to 8 inches, although most individuals acquired average about 4 to 6 inches.  Males have a slightly concave plastron and larger, thicker tails. 

 

Here in California, these boxies can be acclimated and kept outside year-round.  They are semi-terrestrial and spend a large amount of time on land.  They are given a large shallow pond and feed on a variety of aquatic plant and animal matter.  They will eat fish, tadpoles, frogs, pond snails, and water plants.  They also feed on land on a variety of worms, snails, slugs, and fruits and veggies.  Warm temperatures are preferred in the range of 70 to 85F.   They require high humidity.  They don't really hibernate, but will dig underground during the coldest days of winter (few and far between here in Southern California) and remain there until the temperature rises again.  In most climates where it is cold, though, they are kept indoors in an aquarium. 

This is a somewhat shy species, but after being kept in captivity for awhile they learn to recognize their owner and that their owner's presence usually means feeding time!