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Hi all. We're new owners of a small RES that's about 2.5 inches long (yearling?). We received him from some friends recently. His previous home was a small round container where the water was shallow enough to allow him to keep his head above water. We just purchased an aquarium, including a turtle dock. We filled the aquarium about 20% full. When we put him in there, he swam around a bit and eventually stood on the bottom. It looked like he was stretching his neck to try and break the surface to breathe. Here's our question: is he "smart enough" to know that he was to swim to the top of the water to breathe? Will he figure out that he can climb up the dock? Also, is it known how long RES can hold their breath? It sounds like a silly question, but some assurance would be appreciated

Thanks!

They know to come to the surface to breathe, and if your temperatures are right, they'll want to bask on the dock. I'm not sure how long they can stay under water. Mine stays under for a few minutes at a time, but I think he has ADD.

Yes, RES are aquatic by nature and know instinctively to surface for air. They can hold their breaths for 30 minutes or more and can absorb some oxygen from the water through (of all places) their cloaca. If the dock has a ramp or slope below the water's surface, that will make it easier for the little guy to climb up there. Also, if you have the proper basking lights (heat and UVB/UVB) he will crawl up their to bask.