June 10, 2025, 1:44 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
With its distinctive yellow stripe behind the eye, the Cumberland slider turtle (Trachemys scripta troostii) is easy to identify—yet it is often confused with its relatives. This North American aquatic turtle is one of the most fascinating subspecies of the pond slider. However, keeping it is not without challenges: As an invasive species, it is banned in the EU and can only be kept under strict regulations. Those who take the time to learn about its nature will quickly discover that this turtle is quite remarkable.
The Cumberland slider (Trachemys scripta troostii) is a fascinating aquatic turtle with unique shell markings. Originally native to certain regions of the southeastern U.S., it is now also found in Europe due to release into the wild–though often unwanted. With a distinctive yellow, horizontal stripe on its head, it resembles the red-eared and yellow-bellied sliders but differs in detail. Its keeping is strictly regulated throughout the EU as it is listed as an invasive species: breeding, trade, and acquisition are prohibited. However, existing animals may continue to be kept, provided there is no reproduction or release into the wild. In herpetoculture, it is considered an attractive yet demanding species with long life cycles and complex care requirements.
Origin
Trachemys scripta troostii belongs to the family of New World pond turtles (Emydidae) and originates from North America. It has the smallest natural range of all three subspecies of the slider turtle. Its habitat extends from southwestern Virginia through Kentucky to the northeastern part of Alabama, where it prefers shallow, still, or slow-flowing waters with muddy banks.
In Europe, it is also found in the wild, often as a result of the thoughtless release of former pets. Since 2016, the entire family of slider turtles has been classified as invasive in the EU, which greatly restricts their keeping. Uncontrolled spread poses a risk to native ecosystems, although stable populations outside their original habitats have only established sporadically so far.
Appearance
The Cumberland slider is relatively compact, with shell sizes up to 21 cm for females and 14–21 cm for males. The carapace is olive green to brown and often features yellowish and greenish spots reminiscent of letters. A characteristic feature is the horizontal yellow stripe behind the eye–an important distinguishing mark from the red-eared slider, where this stripe is red. It is less easily distinguished from the yellow-bellied slider, leading some to question the classification into three subspecies for these turtles. Some believe the Cumberland slider is a hybridization between the red-eared and yellow-bellied sliders.
The plastron is usually unmarked with two black spots at the base of the neck. However, observed hybrids of the yellow-bellied slider show additional dark markings. Males have a longer tail, a cloaca located further back, and significantly elongated claws on the front feet.
Behavior
Cumberland sliders are considered active, fond of swimming, and curious observers. Although they do not seek close social contact with humans, they can become tame with regular care–especially adult animals. Within groups, males often show aggression toward conspecifics. Therefore, it is recommended to keep males alone, in a larger group with only one male, or in an all-female group.
Their behavior is strongly dependent on temperature and light; they exhibit a pronounced annual rhythm with hibernation. Despite their robustness, they require a structured environment with basking spots, hiding places, and ample space for swimming.
Proper Care & Maintenance
Direct training like with mammals is not possible with reptiles, but Cumberland sliders respond well to ritualized feeding times and locations. They recognize their care area and exhibit targeted behavior there. Engagement occurs through structured habitats: aquatic plants, climbing structures, and sandy areas promote natural behavior. Especially outdoors, varied pond setups with basking spots and retreats offer ideal stimuli. If you want to keep the Cumberland slider additionally in the garden, the pond must be at least 1.6 meters deep, well-planted (e.g., with waterweed), and above all fenced, so the invasive reptile does not threaten native nature.
Cumberland sliders require large aquariums or well-structured pond setups with sufficient water volume (at least 40 cm deep for adult animals). A land area with a strong UV and heat lamp is essential. The temperature should also be adapted to the conditions in their homeland. The water temperature should therefore be around 27° C, the air temperature slightly higher, up to 32° C–on the land area under the UV lamp, even up to 40° C in places.
Particularly important are egg-laying sites for female animals, as the turtle lays these even without the presence of males. If it cannot do so, it can lead to egg-binding, which has serious consequences for the turtle. In winter, they require hibernation at 4–8° C, which usually takes place in the refrigerator when kept in aquariums. The cold period should be well-prepared and, if uncertain, also accompanied by a veterinarian. Observing hibernation is essential for the long-term health of the animals.
As mentioned, group keeping is not always unproblematic–individual keeping or female groups are preferable.
Diet
The diet should be varied: young animals are predominantly carnivorous and eat insect larvae, tadpoles, or worms. As they age, the need for plant-based food such as aquatic plants, grated carrots, or lettuce increases. Commercial turtle food can also be used.
Feeding should always occur in the same place, as the Cumberland slider becomes accustomed to these spots and checks them for food remnants. Overfeeding should be avoided–especially in indoor keeping, to prevent too rapid growth, as the turtle grows rather slowly. An overly rich diet can lead to disturbances in growth hormones and shell problems.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
Proper care of the Cumberland slider requires clean water (external filter), a suitable diet, and adjusted temperature profiles. Poor keeping conditions can lead to shell softness, respiratory diseases, or skin problems. Egg-binding is also a risk for females if no suitable egg-laying site is available. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended.
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The Cumberland Slider at a Glance
- Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta troostii
- Size: Females 17–21 cm, Males 14–21 cm
- Lifespan: 40–50 years
- Coloration: Olive green carapace with yellow eye stripe; lighter plastron
- Character: Active, fond of swimming, tame with good care
- Keeping: Large aquarium or pond with land area and basking spot
- Special Feature: Listed as an invasive species EU-wide–keeping only allowed with existing stock protection