Batagur borneoensis(Painted River Terrapin)

Batagur borneoensis(Painted River Terrapin) — Batagur borneoensis, the painted river terrapin: one of the world’s rarest large river turtles, famous for breeding-season males whose heads flush white with a scarlet crown stripe. This is a serious conservation-keeping species — CITES Appendix I / EU Annex A — sold only with full documentation to keepers who understand what they’re taking on.

At a Glance

Care Basics

Plan pond-scale from the start: hundreds of litres, industrial-grade filtration, warm water year-round, and a haul-out under heat and UVB. Adults are primarily herbivorous — river greens, aquatic plants, quality vegetable matter — after a more omnivorous youth. This species suits keepers building a long-term, conservation-minded collection; we’re glad to discuss whether that’s you before any money moves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this turtle Appendix I?

Wild populations collapsed from egg collection and river development. Legal trade exists only in documented captive-bred animals — the certificate is non-negotiable.

What’s the realistic housing endpoint?

An indoor heated pond or room-scale aquatic enclosure. If that’s not in your future, choose a smaller species — we’ll help you pick.

Why Buy From EU Exotic Reptile Hub

• Captive-bred in Europe — no wild-caught animals, ever
• Live-arrival guarantee and health guarantee on every animal
• Verified feeding — we ship only established feeders, with a feeding record
• Lifetime care support from our keepers, one message away

Shipping Across the EU

We ship EU-wide with specialist live-animal couriers in insulated, heat- or cool-packed boxes, dispatched only when the weather forecast along the whole route is safe. You receive tracking on dispatch day and your animal typically arrives within 24 hours. See our shipping policy and FAQ for full details.