Turtle With Weird Nose: Your Complete Guide To The Amazing Pig-Nosed

Written ByHoward Parker

Have you ever scrolled through aquarium forums or peered into a pet store tank and stopped dead in your tracks, thinking, “What is that turtle with the weird nose?” You’re not alone! That strange, snorkel-like snout belongs to one of the most unique and fascinating reptiles in the freshwater world: the Pig-Nosed Turtle.

I know the feeling of seeing a creature so unusual you just have to learn more. And I promise, by the end of this guide, you’ll not only know what that “turtle with weird nose” is, but you’ll also have all the expert knowledge needed to care for one yourself.

We’re going to dive deep into everything you need to know. We’ll cover the perfect tank setup, their specific diet, which tank mates they can live with, and some common problems to watch out for. Let’s get started on your journey with this incredible animal!

Meet the Star: What is the “Turtle with a Weird Nose”?

The creature you’re curious about is the Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta). Hailing from the rivers and streams of Northern Australia and Southern New Guinea, it’s the last surviving member of its entire family, the Carettochelyidae, making it a true living fossil!

What makes them so special? It’s all in their unique adaptations:

  • The Famous Nose: That “weird nose” is actually a fleshy, snorkel-like snout. It allows the turtle to breathe surface air while the rest of its body remains safely submerged, hiding from predators.
  • Flippers, Not Feet: Unlike other freshwater turtles with webbed feet, the Pig-Nosed Turtle has paddle-like flippers, much like a sea turtle. This makes them incredibly graceful and powerful swimmers.
  • A Leathery Shell: Instead of hard, bony scutes (the individual plates on a turtle’s shell), their carapace is covered in a soft, leathery skin, similar to a softshell turtle.

These turtles are a true marvel, but their uniqueness also means they have very specific care requirements. This isn’t your average Red-Eared Slider!

Setting Up the Perfect Home: A Pig-Nosed Turtle Guide

Creating the right environment is the most critical part of keeping a Pig-Nosed Turtle healthy and happy. Think of it as building a small slice of an Australian river right in your living room. This turtle with weird nose guide will walk you through the essentials.

Tank Size – Bigger is Always Better!

Let’s get this out of the way first: Pig-Nosed Turtles get BIG. A cute little hatchling will grow into an adult with a shell diameter of up to 22 inches (56 cm) and a weight of over 44 pounds (20 kg). They are active swimmers and need a lot of room.

  • Juveniles: A 75-gallon tank is a suitable starting point for a young turtle.
  • Adults: You’ll need a minimum of a 180-gallon tank, but we strongly recommend 300 gallons or more for a single adult. A large stock tank or a custom-built plywood aquarium can be a more affordable option for their forever home.

Don’t worry—you have time to upgrade as they grow, but planning for their adult size from day one is one of the most important turtle with weird nose best practices.

Water Parameters and Filtration

These turtles are river dwellers and produce a lot of waste. Pristine water quality is non-negotiable to prevent health problems.

Your goal is to maintain the following stable parameters:

  • Temperature: 78-86°F (25-30°C). A reliable submersible aquarium heater is a must.
  • pH Level: Slightly alkaline is best, between 7.5 and 8.5. You can use crushed coral in your filter or substrate to help buffer the pH.
  • Filtration: You need overkill here. A powerful canister filter (or two) rated for at least twice your tank’s volume is essential. These turtles are messy, and robust filtration is key to keeping the water clean and ammonia-free.

Substrate and Decorations

Because they have a soft, leathery shell, you must avoid any sharp or abrasive materials in the tank.

  • Substrate: Use a soft, fine-grain sand substrate. This protects their plastron (the bottom shell) from scratches and infections. Avoid gravel completely.
  • Decorations: Smooth river rocks and large pieces of driftwood make excellent, safe decorations. They provide hiding spots and enrichment. Be sure any decor is too large for the turtle to ingest and is secured so it can’t fall and injure them.

Live plants can be tricky as Pig-Nosed Turtles are known to eat or uproot them. Hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern attached to driftwood might survive, but many keepers opt for high-quality artificial plants instead.

What’s on the Menu? Feeding Your Pig-Nosed Turtle

In the wild, Pig-Nosed Turtles are omnivores with a strong preference for vegetation. Replicating this varied diet is crucial for their health. This section of our turtle with weird nose care guide covers exactly what to feed them.

A Balanced Diet for a Healthy Turtle

Variety is the spice of life—and the key to a healthy turtle! Aim for a diet that is roughly 70% plant matter and 30% protein.

  • Vegetation (The Staple): Offer items like romaine lettuce (avoid iceberg), dandelion greens, collard greens, and aquatic plants like duckweed and water hyacinth. They also love fruits like figs (a natural favorite!), mango, and papaya in moderation.
  • Protein (In Moderation): Good protein sources include earthworms, blackworms, shrimp, snails, and occasional pieces of fish (like tilapia or smelt).
  • Commercial Pellets: A high-quality commercial aquatic turtle pellet can be used to supplement the diet and ensure they get all necessary vitamins and minerals.

Feeding Schedule and Tips

How often you feed depends on their age. Young, growing turtles need more protein and should be fed daily. Adults, however, should be fed every other day to prevent obesity, which can be a serious health issue.

A great pro tip is to place a cuttlebone in the tank. They will graze on it as needed, which is an excellent way to provide the crucial calcium they need for healthy shell and bone development.

Friends or Foes? Choosing Tank Mates

One of the most exciting benefits of turtle with weird nose keeping is that they can often be housed in a community tank, unlike many other turtle species! However, choosing the right tank mates is critical for a peaceful aquarium.

Pig-Nosed Turtles are generally peaceful but can be fin-nippers, especially as they get older. The key is to choose fish that are large, fast-moving, and robust enough to not be seen as food or be easily bullied.

Good Tank Mate Choices

  • Large Rainbowfish: Species like the Red or Boesemani Rainbowfish are fast, colorful, and occupy the mid-to-top levels of the tank.
  • Peaceful Cichlids: Larger, peaceful South American cichlids like Severums or Geophagus species can work well.
  • Silver Dollars: These large, fast-moving fish are almost perfectly designed to be dither fish for large, predatory tank mates.

Fish to Avoid

  • Small Fish: Anything that can fit in the turtle’s mouth will eventually become a snack (e.g., tetras, guppies).
  • Slow or Long-Finned Fish: Angelfish and Bettas are easy targets for a curious turtle’s beak.
  • Aggressive Fish: Avoid large, aggressive cichlids that could harass or injure the turtle.

Common Problems with Turtle with Weird Nose Care (And How to Solve Them!)

Even with the best care, you might run into issues. Knowing the common problems with turtle with weird nose species can help you act quickly and keep your pet safe.

Shell and Skin Issues

The most frequent health problems are fungal or bacterial infections on their soft shell and skin. These often appear as white, fuzzy patches. The primary cause is almost always poor water quality. If you see this, immediately perform a large water change, test your water parameters, and ensure your filtration is working perfectly. If it persists, a trip to an exotic vet is in order.

Respiratory Infections

Symptoms include wheezing, bubbles from the nose, or listing to one side while swimming. This is typically caused by water temperatures that are too low or fluctuate wildly. Ensure your heater is set correctly and maintaining a stable, warm temperature.

Stress and Hiding

It’s normal for a new turtle to be very shy. Give them plenty of time to acclimate to their new home. Providing lots of hiding spots with driftwood and rocks will make them feel more secure and encourage them to come out more often.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Turtle Keeping Best Practices

Being a responsible pet owner goes beyond just good care. Pig-Nosed Turtles are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction and collection for the food and pet trade. This is where a sustainable turtle with weird nose approach is vital.

You must only purchase a captive-bred turtle. Wild-caught animals suffer immense stress during capture and transport, and their removal harms wild populations. Ask the breeder or store for proof of origin. Supporting responsible, captive breeding programs is the single most eco-friendly choice you can make.

Adopting eco-friendly turtle with weird nose habits also includes being mindful of water and energy use. Use a water conditioner that detoxifies chlorine and heavy metals during water changes, and consider energy-efficient LED lighting and pumps for your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Pig-Nosed Turtle

How big do Pig-Nosed Turtles get?

They get very large! An adult can reach a shell length of over 20 inches and weigh more than 40 pounds. You must be prepared to provide a very large aquarium (300+ gallons) for their entire life.

Are Pig-Nosed Turtles good for beginners?

They can be, but only for a dedicated beginner. Their massive size, long lifespan (30+ years), and strict water quality needs make them a significant commitment. If you’re prepared for the expense and effort, they can be incredibly rewarding. If not, a smaller turtle species might be a better start.

Can my Pig-Nosed Turtle live with other turtles?

It is generally not recommended. While they can be peaceful with the right fish, they are often aggressive towards other turtles, including their own kind. It’s safest to keep them as the only turtle in the tank.

Why is my turtle’s nose so weird?

That amazing nose functions like a snorkel! It allows them to stay hidden and safe underwater while just poking the tip of their snout above the surface to breathe. It’s a perfect adaptation for their life in the river.

Your Journey with the Pig-Nosed Turtle

The Pig-Nosed Turtle is truly a one-of-a-kind animal. That “turtle with a weird nose” is an intelligent, graceful, and captivating pet that offers a unique window into the prehistoric world.

While their needs are demanding—requiring a huge tank, powerful filtration, and a consistent diet—the reward is a stunning centerpiece animal that will provide you with decades of enjoyment and fascination.

With the knowledge from this guide, you now have the tools and understanding to provide a wonderful, thriving home for this incredible creature. Go forth and create an amazing aquatic world. Happy turtling!

Howard Parker
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