Cuban slider Facts for Kids

The Cuban slider (scientific name: Trachemys decussata) is a type of turtle that naturally lives in Cuba. This includes a place called Isla de la Juventud. These turtles have also been brought to other islands, like Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac in the Cayman Islands. There, people sometimes call them the taco river slider or hickatee. You can also find them on Marie Galante in Guadeloupe.

What is a Cuban Slider?
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What is a Cuban Slider?

The Cuban slider is a freshwater turtle. It belongs to a group of turtles known for their ability to slide off rocks or logs into the water quickly. This is how they got the name "slider." They are often found in ponds, rivers, and other calm water bodies.

Where Do They Live?

Cuban sliders are native to Cuba. This means they originally came from Cuba and have lived there for a very long time. They are found all over the island, including the smaller Isla de la Juventud.

Introduced Habitats

Sometimes, people move animals to new places. This is called "introducing" them. Cuban sliders have been introduced to the Cayman Islands. They now live in places like Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. They have also been introduced to Marie Galante, which is an island in Guadeloupe. When an animal is introduced to a new place, it can sometimes affect the local wildlife.

What Do They Look Like?

Cuban sliders have a smooth, oval-shaped shell. Their shell can be different shades of brown or olive green. They often have yellow or orange markings on their skin and shell. These markings can help them blend in with their surroundings. Like other turtles, they have strong legs and webbed feet, which help them swim well in water.

Shell Details

The top part of a turtle's shell is called the carapace. The bottom part is called the plastron. Cuban sliders have a strong carapace that protects them from predators. Their plastron is usually lighter in color, often yellow or cream.

What Do They Eat?

Cuban sliders are omnivores. This means they eat both plants and animals. Young sliders tend to eat more meat, like insects, small fish, and worms. As they get older, their diet often includes more plants, such as aquatic vegetation and fruits that fall into the water.

How They Find Food

These turtles spend a lot of time in the water, where they hunt for food. They use their keen sense of smell and sight to find meals. They are also known to bask in the sun on logs or rocks to warm up, which helps them digest their food.