General Care Discussion :: Growth expectancy over the years

[Kame]

Hello everyone.

I'm getting ready to buy a new (and definitive) tank for my turtle and after seeing the guidelines online regarding size and everything, I decided to measure Kame's shell.

His shell currently has 5.3 inches in lenght (13 and a half centimeters) and 4.3 inches in width (11 centimeters).

Thing is, he's almost 7 years old.

I was wondering what could I expect in terms of future growth. I am aware of how big a male slider can get, but I never quite figured out how long he should've grown by what age.

Thanks for any information already.

Edit: I found a topic that could be somehow related, yet I am not sure exactly what could've gone 'wrong' with my turtle, as he's rather small compared to the average turtle out there. He is not a red ear slider, though, he's a d'orbigny slider, but it seems that their growth is somewhat the same.

Also, he already... hmm, how can I say this... shows his 'manhood' quite often, but his nails are so, so short, just like the nails of a female.

Go figure...

[CactusJohn5]

Also, he already... hmm, how can I say this... shows his 'manhood' quite often, but his nails are so, so short, just like the nails of a female.

and you POSITIVE its his "manhood" if he is alone in the tank, i think there MAY be an issue if the "manhood" is out and about often.

As for size of a tank its 10 gallons per inch. and at only 5.5 inches, your guy would do fine in a 55, but to be safe you could go with a 75! Check out craigslist i found mine for 125$ with stand and filter.

gone "wrong" i would say nothing, turtles shell size is based on its aquarium size, so if he was in a smaller home his shell would be up to par. it is rumored that if you move a turtle to a bigger home no matter the age they can grow larger. I saw this first hand with my 2 res, they grew over an inch in 1 year and they are "mature"

[devilduck]

My male is about 24 years old and is just shy of 8 inches across his shell.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Turtle shell size isnt based on aquarium size. It can stunt it a little but not much. As long as the food supply is there they grow. Anyway 75 gallon is my answer also even 65 gallon can be fine too, that can last you for years. Might not even grow past 7inches. As for saying turtle is small for his age. He seems a good size to me. Mine is around same age and same size as yours.