Turtle With A Pointed Nose: The Ultimate Pig-Nosed Turtle Care Guide

Have you ever peered into an aquarium and spotted a creature that looks like a miniature sea turtle, complete with flippers, but with a bizarre and endearing pig-like snout? You’re not alone. This unique animal often leaves aquarists captivated and scrambling to identify the fascinating turtle with a pointed nose.

You’ve come to the right place. We promise this guide will demystify this incredible reptile and provide you with everything you need to know. That special turtle is the one-and-only Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta), a true gem of the aquatic world.

In this complete turtle with a pointed nose care guide, we will dive deep into creating the perfect habitat, crafting a healthy diet, and understanding its unique behaviors. We’ll also cover the crucial topic of sustainable ownership, ensuring you can provide a thriving home for this magnificent creature for decades to come.

Identifying the “Turtle with a Pointed Nose”: Meet the Pig-Nosed Turtle

When hobbyists search for a “turtle with a pointed nose,” they are almost always describing the Pig-Nosed Turtle. This species is the last surviving member of its ancient family, the Carettochelyidae, making it a living fossil swimming in our aquariums.

Unlike the hard, scuted shells of common sliders and painted turtles, the Pig-Nosed Turtle has a tough, leathery carapace, much like a softshell turtle. Its most defining features are its powerful, paddle-like flippers, which it uses to “fly” through the water, and of course, its fleshy, snorkel-like snout.

Hailing from the freshwater rivers and estuaries of northern Australia and southern New Guinea, this turtle is almost fully aquatic. It rarely leaves the water except to nest, which makes it a perfect (though demanding) candidate for a large, species-appropriate aquarium.

The Ideal Aquarium Setup: Building a Forever Home

Creating the right environment is the most critical step in successfully keeping a Pig-Nosed Turtle. These are not animals you can house in a small starter kit. This section of our turtle with a pointed nose guide will walk you through building their perfect aquatic paradise.

Tank Size: Bigger is Always Better

Let’s be clear: Pig-Nosed Turtles get big. An adult can reach a shell length of over 22 inches (56 cm) and weigh more than 44 pounds (20 kg). They are active swimmers that need a tremendous amount of space.

For a juvenile, we recommend a tank of at least 125 gallons. However, this is just a temporary home. You must have a solid plan in place for an adult enclosure, which should be 300 gallons or more. Many dedicated keepers ultimately move them to custom-built indoor ponds.

Don’t worry—starting with a smaller (but still large) tank for a baby is fine, as it makes feeding and observation easier. Just be prepared for the significant upgrade they will eventually need.

Water Parameters and Filtration

Pristine water quality is non-negotiable. Pig-Nosed Turtles are notoriously susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections if their water is not kept impeccably clean. They are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste, so your filtration system needs to be a powerhouse.

Filtration: A large canister filter (or two) rated for at least twice your tank’s volume is essential. For larger setups, a sump system is the gold standard.

Temperature: Keep the water in a tropical range of 78-86°F (25-30°C). A reliable aquarium heater is a must.
pH Level: They prefer slightly alkaline water, with a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. Adding crushed coral to your substrate or filter can help buffer the pH naturally.
Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 25-50% to keep nitrates low and the water fresh.

Substrate and Decorations

The goal is to create a safe environment that mimics their natural habitat while providing ample swimming room. One of our top turtle with a pointed nose tips is to prioritize safety over complex aesthetics.

Choose a fine, soft sand substrate. Gravel can be accidentally ingested, causing impaction, and its rough edges can scratch their soft plastron (bottom shell), leading to infections.

Decor should be minimal and smooth. Large pieces of driftwood and smooth river rocks can provide security and enrichment. Avoid anything with sharp points or edges. The most important “decoration” of all is open water for them to swim freely.

A Balanced Diet: What to Feed Your Pointed-Nose Pal

In the wild, Pig-Nosed Turtles are omnivores, with their diet shifting as they mature. Providing a varied and balanced diet is key to their health and longevity. It’s one of the greatest benefits of turtle with a pointed nose keeping—they are enthusiastic eaters!

Foods for Juveniles

Young turtles require more protein to fuel their growth. Offer a mix of high-quality foods:

Commercial turtle pellets (a good staple)
Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, blackworms, and brine shrimp

Chopped earthworms or prawns
Small pieces of fish (use with caution to avoid high-fat varieties)

Foods for Adults

As they age, their diet should become predominantly herbivorous. This is one of the most important turtle with a pointed nose best practices to follow for long-term health. An adult diet should be about 70% plant matter.

Fruits: Their absolute favorite food in the wild is figs! You can offer fresh figs, as well as apple, pear, and melon.

Vegetables: Offer leafy greens like romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, and collard greens.

–Aquatic Plants: Anacharis, duckweed, and water hyacinth are great for both food and enrichment.

Feeding Schedule and Tips

Feed juveniles daily and adults every two to three days. It’s easy to overfeed these turtles, which can lead to health problems. A good rule of thumb is to offer an amount of food they can consume within 5-10 minutes.

Dust their food with a high-quality calcium and vitamin D3 supplement once or twice a week to support strong shell and bone growth. This is especially important for growing juveniles.

Common Problems with a Turtle with a Pointed Nose (and How to Solve Them)

Even with the best care, you might run into issues. Knowing the common problems with a turtle with a pointed nose can help you spot trouble early and act quickly. Here’s what to watch out for.

Shell and Skin Infections

This is by far the most common ailment. Fungal or bacterial infections often appear as fuzzy white patches or lesions on the shell and skin. The primary cause is almost always poor water quality or physical injury.

Solution: Immediately check your water parameters and perform a large water change. Remove any sharp decor. For minor issues, a temporary quarantine in clean water with a mild antiseptic (as advised by a vet) can help. Severe infections require a visit to an exotic species veterinarian.

Aggression and Tank Mates

Pig-Nosed Turtles can be territorial and are known to be aggressive towards their own kind and other turtles. They are best kept singly to avoid stress and injury. Nipped flippers and bites are common when they are housed together.

Solution: Don’t house them together. If you’re considering fish as tank mates, choose species that are large, fast-moving, and peaceful, such as Silver Dollars or large Rainbowfish. Add the turtle to the tank last, and always have a backup plan in case it doesn’t work out.

Stress and Buoyancy Issues

A new turtle may hide constantly or seem overly shy. This is normal. Give them time to adjust. Buoyancy problems, where a turtle struggles to submerge, can be a sign of a respiratory infection, often linked to water temperature being too low or poor water quality.

Solution: Ensure your tank has plenty of hiding spots like smooth caves or driftwood. Double-check your heater and filtration, and make sure there are no drafts over the tank. If buoyancy issues persist for more than a day, consult a vet.

The Path to Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Turtle Keeping

Part of being an expert keeper is understanding our responsibility to the animals and the environment. A commitment to sustainable turtle with a pointed nose ownership is paramount, especially since this species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and over-collection for food and the pet trade.

The single most important action you can take is to only purchase a captive-bred turtle. Wild-caught specimens endure immense stress during capture and transport, and their removal harms wild populations. Ask for proof of origin from your breeder or pet store. Supporting responsible breeders helps protect this species in the wild.

Adopting an eco-friendly turtle with a pointed nose mindset also means recognizing the commitment. With a lifespan of over 50 years, this is a pet that could be with you for a significant portion of your life. Be prepared for the financial, spatial, and time investment required before bringing one home.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Turtle with a Pointed Nose

Do Pig-Nosed Turtles need a basking dock?

No, they do not. Unlike most freshwater turtles, Pig-Nosed Turtles are fully aquatic and do not bask out of the water. Providing a traditional basking area with a heat lamp can actually cause their leathery shell to dry out and crack. They get all the warmth they need from the heated water.

Can I keep more than one Pig-Nosed Turtle together?

It is strongly discouraged. They are solitary animals in the wild and often become highly aggressive towards each other in captivity. Keeping them singly is the safest and most humane option to prevent chronic stress and severe injuries.

Are they good turtles for beginners?

Honestly, no. Due to their massive adult size, strict water quality requirements, and potential for aggression, they are best suited for intermediate to advanced keepers who have the resources and experience to meet their demanding needs for their entire 50+ year lifespan.

How fast do they grow?

They grow quite rapidly in their first few years. A hatchling the size of a half-dollar can reach 6-8 inches in its first two years with proper care and diet. This rapid growth is why planning for their adult-sized enclosure from day one is so important.

Your Journey with a Unique Aquatic Companion

The Pig-Nosed Turtle is truly one of the most unique and captivating reptiles you can keep. Its graceful swimming and curious snout bring a piece of the wild rivers of Australia right into your home. While the commitment is significant, the reward of watching this living fossil thrive under your care is immeasurable.

Remember the fundamentals from this turtle with a pointed nose guide: a massive tank, powerful filtration, a varied diet, and a commitment to sustainable sourcing. By following these best practices, you are not just keeping a pet; you are becoming a steward for an incredible species.

Ready to take the plunge? With careful planning and dedication, you can provide an amazing, lifelong home for this one-of-a-kind turtle. Happy keeping!

Author
Recent Posts

Howard Parker

Founder and Author at Aquifarm

Howard Parker is a fishkeeping expert with over 20 years of experience. He is the founder and author of the Aquifarm located in Houston, TX 48. He has an academic degree in Agriculture Science. In addition to his professional pursuits, He is also an avid hobbyist of aqua pets, plants, and fish. Howard is dedicated to providing comprehensive information and resources for both novices and experienced fishkeepers, with a focus on professionalism and accuracy.