Melanistic Red Eared Slider

The Melanistic Red Eared Slider is a beautiful, but rare, turtle. They are born with black or very dark shells and have red markings on their heads. These turtles are found in the wild in the southern United States and parts of Mexico.

They can also be found in captivity, but they are not common.

The melanistic red-eared slider is a beautiful, but rare, color morph of the common red-eared slider. These turtles get their name from the black or very dark brown pigment that covers their bodies and gives them a “melanistic” appearance. While they are sometimes called “black turtles,” true melanistic turtles are actually quite rare.

Despite their striking appearance, melanistic red-eared sliders are just like any other slider in terms of care and husbandry. They require the same size enclosure, diet, and level of care as their more common cousins. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these special turtles for sale, be prepared to pay a premium price!

What Color Should My Red-Eared Slider Be?

There are a variety of colors that your red-eared slider can be. The most common colors are green, brown, and yellow. However, there are also albino (red), piebald (yellow with patches of green or brown), and leucistic (white with patches of color) red-eared sliders.

So, what color should your red-eared slider be? The answer to this question depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer their red-eared slider to be a certain color because it matches their home’s décor or they simply like that particular color better.

Others choose a color based on the personality traits they believe are associated with that hue. For example, many people think green is a calming color, so they may select a green slider if they want a pet that will help them relax. Ultimately, the decision of what color your red-eared slider should be is up to you!

What States are Red-Eared Sliders Illegal?

There are many states in which it is illegal to own a red-eared slider. Some of these states include California, Colorado, and Florida. In California, it is illegal to own any turtle that is not a native species.

This means that you cannot own a red-eared slider if you live in California. Colorado has a similar law to California, and it is also illegal to own a red-eared slider in Florida. There are many other states with similar laws, so it is important to check the laws in your state before purchasing a red-eared slider.

Why are Red-Eared Slider Turtles Illegal?

Red-eared slider turtles are illegal because they are an invasive species. They were introduced to the pet trade in the 1950s and quickly became one of the most popular pets in the world. However, they have since been released into the wild by their owners and have become a major problem in many ecosystems.

Red-eared slider turtles are native to the southeastern United States, but they have now been found on every continent except Antarctica. They are a major problem because they compete with native species for food and habitat. They also spread disease and parasites to native wildlife.

In some areas, they have even caused declines in native turtle populations. The best way to prevent red-eared slider turtles from becoming a problem is to not release them into the wild. If you own a red-eared slider turtle, please keep it as a pet and do not release it into the environment.

How Much Does a Red-Eared Slider Cost?

A red-eared slider typically costs between $5 and $15. The price will vary depending on the size, age, and health of the turtle. Some factors that will affect the cost include whether or not the turtle has been captive bred or wild caught, as well as the store or breeder you purchase from.

Generally, captive bred turtles are going to be less expensive than those that were wild caught. This is because they are easier to care for and have a higher survival rate. They also tend to be less stressed and more docile than their wild counterparts.

If you’re looking for a pet turtle, it’s generally recommended that you choose one that was captive bred. When choosing a red-eared slider, it’s important to inspect it for any signs of illness or injury. Avoid any turtles that have mucus coming from their nose or mouth, as this could be a sign of respiratory infection.

It’s also important to make sure the shell is not soft or cracked, as this could indicate vitamin A deficiency or other health problems.

Melanistic Red Eared Slider

Red Eared Slider Morphs

There are many different types of turtles, and one of the most popular is the red-eared slider. These turtles get their name from the characteristic red stripe that runs behind each ear. Red-eared sliders are native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats including ponds, marshes, and lakes.

Red-eared sliders are easily recognizable due to their bright colors and patterns. However, there is more to these turtles than meets the eye. In fact, there are several different types of red-eared slider morphs that can be found in the wild.

One of the most common morphs is the albino red-eared slider. These turtles lack pigment in their skin and shells, resulting in a white or pale appearance. Albino turtles typically have red eyes, but this isn’t always the case.

Another type of morph is the leucistic red-eared slider. These turtles have reduced pigmentation which causes them to appear pale or white. Unlike albinos, leucistic turtles usually retain some pigment in their eyes (although they may be lighter than usual).

A third type of morph is known as the piebald turtle. Piebalds have patches of unpigmented shell and skin which can vary greatly in size and placement. Some piebalds may even be completely white!

Like albinos, these turtles typically have red eyes due to a lack of pigment in the iris (the colored part of the eye). Red-eared sliders come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making them one of the most popular pet turtles around!

Conclusion

Melanistic red-eared slider turtles are not a separate species of turtle, but rather a color morph of the more common red-eared slider. These turtles get their name from their black or very dark green shell and skin, which is caused by an excess of melanin. Melanistic turtles are sometimes also called “black” or “ghost” turtles.

While melanism is relatively rare in reptiles, it does occur in some other turtle species, including box turtles and map turtles. Melanistic red-eared sliders are less common than their non-melanistic counterparts, but they can be found in the wild and in captivity. There is no evidence that melanism provides any benefits to these turtles in the wild.

In fact, it may even put them at a disadvantage since they are more visible to predators. However, melanism does not seem to have any negative effects on captive turtles and many people find them to be beautiful pets.