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Cheers to a captivating evening of craft brews and marine wonders at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Brew Fest on October 6! Learn more and get tickets now!

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We're currently closed.Open Tomorrow 10am - 6pm
Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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Experience • Rescued Animals

Reptile Species

Posted September 11, 2023

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is well known for its resident sea turtles but also home to a variety of other reptile species. There are a number of different creatures that are worth learning about.

Where to See

  • Mangrove Key Kids Zone
  • Hydroponics

Other Reptiles

Terrapins

(Malaclemys terrapin)
Status
Near Threatened
Average Size
5-10 in
Location
Eastern US, Brackish Water
Threats
Bycatch (crab traps), loss of habitat, nest predation
Defining Characteristics
Concentric, diamond-shaped markings and grooves on the scutes

Diamondback Terrapins are a species of turtle that lives in brackish water here in Florida, which is different from our sea turtle residents who live in saltwater.

Red-Footed Tortoise

(Chelonoidis carbonarius)
Average Size
13.5 In
Location
South America and Caribbean Islands
Habitat
Dry and wet forests, grasslands, and savannas
Diet
Small vertebrates, leaves, grasses, fungi, fruit, flowers

Florida Kingsnake

(Lampropeltis getula floridana)
Average Size
36-48 In
Habitat
Florida’s Prairies, Marshes, Scrubs, and Estuaries
Diet
Birds, amphibians, reptiles

Indian Star Tortoise

(Geochelone elegans)
LIFESPAN
25- 80 Years Old
AVERAGE SIZE
7-12 in
DIET
Mainly herbivores. Grasses, flowers, fruit & insects

Russian Tortoise

(Testudo horsfieldii)
STATUS
Vulnerable
LIFESPAN
40+ Years
SIZE
Males 4-6 inches on average & Females 9-10 inches on average
DISTRIBUTION
Russia, Ukraine, Pakistan, and Western China
DIET
High fiber, low protein diet consisting mainly of green leafy vegetables and grasses

Smallwood Anole

(Anolis smallwoodi schwartz)
Great anole
HABITAT
Semi-deciduous, evergreen, gallery forests, rainforest, mangroves, and coffee plantations.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
Native to Cuba
PREY
Insects, grubs, and tree frogs
PREDATORS
Snakes and birds

Great anole

Marine Animal Neighbors

  • CMA Pelican
    Pelicans
  • Hope the Dolphin Smiling
    Dolphins

Seek to Sea More

Mavis the Turtle in the Rescue Hideaway

Mavis’s Rescue Hideaway

Learn More
Sea Life Safari Boat Tour

Sea Life Safari Tour

Learn MoreBook Now
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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