When discussing which turtles do not need to bask in the sun, we need to be clear that although some turtles have a relatively low demand for sunlight, almost all turtle species in nature obtain necessary ultraviolet radiation through sunbathing, which helps them synthesize vitamin D3, promote calcium absorption, and maintain bone health. However, in home breeding environments, due to limited conditions, some highly aquatic turtle species may not require special sun exposure platforms.
Here are some turtle species that do not require direct sunlight exposure:
1. Pig nosed turtle: Pig nosed turtle, also known as Oceania pig nosed turtle, is a highly aquatic species of turtle. They can be raised in deep water without the need for a sun terrace. Pig nosed turtles are mainly distributed in northern Australia, southern Irian Jaya, and southern New Guinea, and usually live in rivers, estuaries, lagoons, lakes, swamps, and ponds.
2. Crocodile turtles: including large crocodile turtles and small crocodile turtles (such as northern crocodile, southern crocodile, central crocodile, Buddha crocodile, etc.), these turtle species have relatively low demand for sunlight. They can live in water for a long time without the need for a special sun drying platform. Although they do not require frequent exposure to sunlight, moderate sunlight is still beneficial for their health.
3. Musk Turtle: Musk turtles are also a type of turtle that relatively do not require sunlight exposure. They usually live in freshwater environments and have high requirements for water quality, but do not have a high demand for sun exposure.
4. Razor Turtle: The razor turtle is also a type of turtle that does not require a special sun platform. Living in water for a longer period of time, but moderate light exposure still contributes to their health.
Although these turtle species have a relatively low demand for sunlight, it is recommended to provide certain lighting conditions in the home breeding environment to maintain their health and vitality. This can be simulated by setting appropriate lighting fixtures to meet their demand for ultraviolet radiation.
There are also some semi aquatic or terrestrial turtle species, such as the four eyed spotted turtle and the Burmese swamp turtle, which naturally sunbathe to obtain necessary ultraviolet radiation. However, in home breeding environments, due to limited conditions, these turtle species may require special sun exposure platforms to bask in the sun.
Pig nosed turtles, crocodile turtles, musk turtles, and razor turtles are relatively sun free turtle species. But when raising them at home, it is still recommended to provide certain lighting conditions to maintain their health and vitality.