General Care Discussion :: smacking (turtle lips) under water

[blaydes]

I know that when you turtle opens it's mouth above water it could be a sign or R.I, but my turtle does it underneath water. He doesnt really open his mouth, but just sort od smacks them. Like when before or after you eat, you smack your lips, but he doesnt open his mouth wide at all. I wonder what the reason could be for him doing this.

[sonyj]

He's probably drinking water. How often does he do this?

[marisa]

Yes! I've noticed my turtles do the same when they're going after food or are about to eat something. My guess is that it's connected somehow to their sense of smell, which is as good under water as it is above. Or, they're just smacking their lips in anticipation of eating the food.

[blaydes]

That is what I thought it was! He was looking forward to getting food, but he does it a lot.He does it before he chases air-bubbles from the filter water running down. He likes to eat them.....