I want to put a small turtle in my 50 gal tank with my gold fish. Will it eat my fish?

Question

I want to put a small turtle in my 50 gallon fish aquarium with my gold fish and algea eater. will the turtle eat my fish. I am talking about a turtle no longer than my index finger or about two to three inches long. Will it eat my fish. I think the kind I am talking about is called a red bellied or something like that. If you know what kind I am talking about tell me will it eat my gold fish if put in the same tank?

Answer 1

My friend has two turtles in her aquarium and neither one eat the fish that are larger than it but when the fish had babies, the turtles did eat a few of them, I think it all depends on the type of turtle that you have. A good way of finding out is to call a local pet store (a place like Earl May's maybe if there is one in your area) or a local veterinarian. Also if you give your turtle another choice of something to eat, it will deter it from eating your fish.

Answer 2

Red-ear sliders (RES) need 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle, water temps about 80 degrees (warmer than goldfish like), UV-B lighting, basking sites that are around 90 degrees,and they are VERY messy, so you need really good filtration.

Besides this, turtles eat or at least harass and nibble on fish. If the goldfish are bigger than the turtle wants, it will still eat the fins, etc. whenever it can, or just plain bother the fish.

Check out the link below for more about RES care:

Answer 3

If it is an alabama red-bellied turtle, then you're fairly safe, I think. According to this article (http://outdooralabama.com/outdoor-alabam... ), it's a herbivore. But I would double-check what species you have and call a local vet to be extra sure if its compatable with the fish you have.

And like someone else said, but sure to have some place in the tank where the turtle can get out of the water (a large flat rock, etc.). Turtles breathe air and don't swim perpetually. He needs a place to crawl and walk.

Answer 4

I dont think the turtle will eat the gold fish the turtle is to small

Answer 5

i have 2 red eared slider turtles. they eat gold fish - but they are bigger than your turtle. they grow pretty quick and are always hungry and will try and eat the fish as soon as they can get their mouth around part of it. try feeding your turtle some bugs, worms lettuce, apricots, tomatoes in small pieces and see how it does - also reptile sticks (sold in a can at most pet stores) are good trutle food - and yes your turtle will need a rock or someplace where it can get out and rest for a bit... my turtles like to sit on rocks in the sunlight.

Answer 6

the turtle needs to be able to come out of the water.more than likely if they dont eat the fish they will pick at the fins.you need to also be careful with the chemicals you put in with the fish

Answer 7

The natural food for turtles are fish. We have a saying around the pond:

Turtle + fish = fed turtle

You might be lucky but why tempt fate.

Answer 8

probably Also turtles need a place to get out of the water completely so they can bask. Also they need UVB light and a very powerfull filter. A totally aquatic habitat like for a fish isn't very good for a turtle.

Answer 9

If the turtle is that small, no it won't eat the fish. It might nick them if it was a snapper. But not your turtle, it won't harm the fish.

Answer 10

I use to have a slider. They grow big and fast. Eventually I won't want to put them with the fish. Ask someone at the pet shop, they maybe more helpful giving you an answer.