The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), also known as the red-eared terrapin, red-eared slider turtle, red-eared turtle, slider turtle, and water slider turtle, is a semiaquatic turtle belonging to the family Emydidae.It is a subspecies of the pond slider.It is the most popular pet turtle in the United States and is also popular as a pet across the rest of the world. Red-eared sliders typically do well in aquariums, just as long as they're the appropriate size. how long will a red eared slider stay under water.? I have a red eared slider he stays under water a lot an he stays under water for a couple hours somtimes i wake up hes under water and i come home from school 8 hours later and hes asleep under water is that dangourous or can … They can be hilarious to watch and make very low-maintenance pets. Can a 12 year old Red Eared Slider Turtle purchased in a pet store when it was very small, be returned to its natural habitat and thrive? Today, 23rd of May, is the International Turtle Day. Amazing right? With their eyes closed the entire time. Red eared sliders cannot breathe underwater but they can hold their breaths for a long time. Young specimens need aquariums that can accommodate roughly 20 gallons or so. Try to avoid using tap water if you can, as it can destroy beneficial bacteria in your turtle’s aquarium, as well as upset the water-quality. Adult red-eared sliders, on the other hand, need aquariums that can accommodate about 75 gallons at the minimum. However, this would depend on the species in question. ... Ranger- 3 year old red ear slider Mo- 2 year old pet goat. Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 1:20 am How long can i let my turtle stay out of the water? Why Do Red Eared Sliders Stay So Long Underwater? Red-eared sliders are quite hardy and adaptable and thus can relatively survive out of water for weeks or even months. During warmer climates, aquatic turtles can survive for quite a long period out of the water. As you already know, red eared sliders are not the most agile mammals in the animal kingdom. Red-eared slider turtles can make fantastic pets and live for a very long time under the proper care and indoor tank conditions. I've seen mind sleep underwater. They'd stick their noses out take another breath and retire underwater again. Red-eared sliders NEED to be in the water in order to stay healthy, vibrant and robust. If they are swimming they can usually stay for 20 to 30 minutes. How much time a Red Eared slider can stay underwater depends on the activity that it’s doing underwater. Why does my red ear slider turtle swim into the side of the tank over and over? I fed my turtle twice a day. Still, it is important to remember that this breed has some specific diet and tank requirements that must be met in order for it to thrive. How long can red eared sliders stay under water? I want to know how long i can let my slider stay outside of the water, he is about 12 inches in diameter and seems to love it outside of the water more than submerged... is this typical? Once again, remember that climate is a dependent factor. Bigger is generally superior. Red-eared sliders are widely available at pet stores, though it's best to look for a turtle at a reputable breeder or rescue group that can give you comprehensive information on the animal's history and health. Answer. So let's talk about one of the most popular turtle pets in the world - the Red Eared Slider. Red eared sliders can stay under the water for as long as 6 hours! He is probably a little older than a year old if he's about 4 inches long. How Long Can Red Eared Sliders Stay Underwater. How do I know the gender of a red eared slider? When they are living on the surface, they move in a very slow manner, and this can become a problem when it comes to defending themselves against predators or catching prey. Try to get an aquarium that can fit at least 60 to 80 gallons, and is both deep and wide. Wiki User May 01, 2012 5:04AM. The average price for a red-eared slider in pet stores is around $20, but a quality breeder will likely charge a little more.