The money turtle, also known as the three-line shell turtle, broken plate turtle, red-bellied turtle, or gold head turtle, is a rare and highly valued species of freshwater turtle. Its meat is considered a delicacy, with significant economic and medicinal value, making it a desirable export product. Due to its high market demand and potential for sustainable farming, the money turtle has become an attractive option for aquaculture development. Below are key techniques for raising this unique species.
**1. Life Habits**
Money turtles are primarily aquatic and tend to retreat into water when startled. In captivity, they usually come out to feed or move during the evening hours. They have a calm and non-aggressive temperament, rarely biting or fighting with each other. It's common to keep them in groups of two or three per enclosure, with up to seven or eight individuals per hole over long periods.
As a poikilothermic animal, their activity level is closely tied to temperature. From November to March, they enter hibernation, remaining inactive in burrows. They become active again in April, with optimal growth occurring between 24°C and 32°C. If the temperature rises above 36°C, they may stop feeding; at 38°C, they will remain dormant, and at 45°C, they risk death from heat exposure. When temperatures drop below 10°C, they begin hibernating, and below 4°C, they face a risk of "zombie" state — a condition where they appear lifeless but can still revive under certain conditions.
**2. Feeding Behavior**
Money turtles are omnivores, consuming both animal and plant-based foods. In the wild, they feed on insects, small arthropods, fish, shrimp, snails, and occasionally plant matter. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of protein-rich foods such as quail, small fish, shrimp, snails, and livestock organs, as well as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Their daily food intake should be around 5% to 10% of their body weight.
Feeding behavior is influenced by temperature: below 20°C, they eat very little, and their appetite increases significantly when the temperature reaches 24°C. The peak feeding season is from June to September. They typically feed in the evening and continue until early morning.
**3. Growth Rate**
On average, money turtles grow about 100 grams per year. However, during the summer and autumn seasons, with adequate and nutritious food, they can gain 20 to 30 grams per month.
**4. Breeding Habits**
Money turtles generally reach sexual maturity at around five years old. Mating occurs in the fall, and females lay eggs the following summer. Between September and October, when the temperature is between 20°C and 25°C, mature turtles mate in the late afternoon. Female turtles begin laying eggs in May of the next year when the water temperature rises to 25°C, continuing until the end of July. Each female lays 2 to 4 eggs per clutch, with 3 to 4 clutches total.
Before laying eggs, females select soft, shallow sand areas or dig into roots and grass to create nests. After laying eggs, they cover the nest with their hind legs or tail and compact the soil with their bodies. The incubation period lasts 50 to 80 days. Natural conditions often lead to low hatching rates due to environmental fluctuations, so artificial breeding requires controlled temperature and humidity. Hatcheries should maintain a temperature of 28°C to 33°C and a humidity level of 80% to 85%. Eggs hatch within 60 to 70 days.
**5. Rearing Techniques**
Young hatchlings require separate pools, ideally indoors, with a small area of 10 to 20 square meters. The pool should have 10 cm of sand at the bottom, with half of the space covered in water and the rest as land for resting. Water depth should be 20 to 30 cm, and 20 to 30 hatchlings can be placed in one pool. For smaller numbers, plastic basins can be used. Young turtles should be fed high-protein foods like cooked egg yolk, small fish, and shrimp. Daily feeding should be around 3% of their body weight. Regular checks should be conducted in the morning and evening to monitor health and clean up uneaten food. Pool water should be changed every 5 days to maintain hygiene.
As they grow, hatchlings can be moved to larger pools, either earthen or concrete. Pools should be 30 to 50 square meters, with sloped land for basking and fake caves or sand mounds for shelter. Water depth should be more than 60 cm, with floating plants like water lilies or water hyacinths for shade. A T-shaped escape wall should surround the pond. Stocking density is approximately 10 young turtles per square meter for those under 50 grams, and 3 to 5 per square meter for those over 100 grams.
Feeding should be based on animal-based feeds such as fish, shrimp, and poultry organs, which are high in protein and easy to digest. Daily feeding should be 4% to 5% of the turtle’s weight, adjusted according to season and temperature. Food should be offered daily, and any leftovers should be removed to prevent waste and pollution.
Money turtles prefer quiet, clean environments. The pond water should be light green with a transparency of about 30 cm. Regular monitoring of water quality is essential, and fresh water should be changed regularly to encourage feeding and maintain a healthy habitat.
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