Getting to Know the Red Ear Slider Turtle: Essential Care Tips

Getting to Know the Red Ear Slider Turtle

Introduction

Are you thinking about owning a turtle for a pet? There are many different species to choose from.

But maybe you have decided on getting a red ear slider turtle? Or maybe you already own one but want to make sure that he or she is living his or her best life? These friendly little creatures have big personalities and can be great companions for life. With a bit of effort and proper care, you can ensure a long and happy life for your turtle.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for your red ear slider turtle. From feeding to proper housing, even a little biology and history. I’ve got you covered. I will give suggestions on what kind of equipment to provide your new turtle, as well as what I provide for my own red-eared turtle.

You’ll be surprised at how much fun it is to take care of these little guys. I know I was.

So let’s slide right in and get started!

What is a Red Ear Slider Turtle?

Basic Biology

Let’s talk about the red ear slider turtle, an aquatic creature that’s quite a character. For starters, they’re semi-aquatic, which means they split their time between land and water.

When they’re in the water, they love to chow down on yummy aquatic veggies like algae, duckweed, and pond weeds. But they’re always up for a quick snack of fish or insects.

Origin

Did you know those red-eared sliders have a long and mysterious history? This amazing creature has been around for ages, exploring much of the eastern and central US and even venturing into South America. They’ve seen and experienced so much!

Author’s Note: Although I searched websites, journals, periodicals, and other scientific and historical data on red ear sliders, I have to conclude that no one really knows who first found one of these turtles.

The taxonomic report from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System, or ITIS, tells us they were first classified in 1839 by Wied-Neuwied. We also know The Department of Agriculture tells us they are now found everywhere, even considered an invasive species in some areas. One source for more information on where they can be found in the world, check here.

Fun Fact: The Encylopedia Britannica tells us turtles are so ancient that even dinosaurs saw them roaming around Earth!

Habitat

Red Ears are a native species to the southern and central United States. Red-ear slider turtles are not content with staying in one place.

These little adventurers can be found as far north as Illinois and Oklahoma, all the way down south in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and even Texas! They can also be seen taking a road trip south of the border into Central America on their quest for aquatic vegetation heaven!

These turtles can be spotted in slow-moving freshwater rivers and lakes, which have plenty of plants to hide in. They’re tough enough to tolerate varying water temperatures, making them versatile creatures.

If you spot one near a stream or pond, then chances are they’re searching for someplace with plenty of aquatic vegetation. Slow-moving waters seem to call out to them in their laid back way of life.

They don’t get too concerned by the temperatures around them. They just adjust to what they need. Like the sun when they are cold, or a cool swim when warm.

Namesake

Let’s talk about their name.

The red-eared slider turtle is named for the single red patch behind the eyes, near each ear.

Other common names for the turtle include red-eared terrapin, slider turtle, and water slider.

The scientific name is Trachemys scripta elegans.

You can find the meaning of the scientific name of a red-eared slider turtle by breaking down the name into its Latin or Greek roots.

The Latin name of the reptile, Trachemys scripta elegans, has different translations from Latin to English. One is translated to “painted tortoise with a fine pattern”, which explains those gorgeous yellow or red stripes on their dark green carapace (their protective shell), or their underside, known as the plastron, is usually yellow or orange in color and also bears distinct markings.

Another translation comes from both the Greek and Latin languages. “Trachemys” comes from the Greek words “trachys” which means “rough,” and “emys,” which means “turtle”. The second part of the scientific name, “scripta”, is the Latin word for “written” or “marked”, while “elegans” means “elegant” in Latin. So the scientific name “Trachemys scripta elegans” can be translated to mean “rough turtle with elegant markings”.

For more on how and why scientific names are used for animals, click here.

Lifespan

Did you know that if you take good care of your red-eared slider, it can have an average lifespan of 40 or 50 years in captivity? That is if they get proper nutrition and living conditions.

But things get tough for them once they’re out there in the wild. With predators and all sorts of environmental factors, their lifespan often amounts to just 20 to 30 years.

Male or Female

Curious about whether your pet is male or female? It is surprisingly easy with a red ear slider to tell, at least once they have grown some.

To keep it simple, look no further than their claws and plastron (that’s the underside of the shell). You can also check out the tail.

The boys have longer nails on those little webbed front feet, which helps them hold on to those females, plus they sport a concave belly. They also have a larger tail with the cloaca closer to the tip. With all these manly features combined—plus some growing room for an individual turtle’s size that can range from 7-9 inches long—these fellas are easily spotted!

On the flip side, female turtles tend to rock shorter nails with straight plastron shells reaching an average adult size of 10-12 inches in length. The ladies need a straight bottom shell over their stomachs for a little more room for egg storage. Their tails are smaller, with the cloaca closer to the body.

Now there’s no more guesswork when it comes to figuring out who’s who in your aquatic family.

How fast do they grow?

In the first three months of their lives, these little reptiles measure only an inch in diameter and weigh the same as a few coins hitting the scales at just 2 ounces (or 60 grams).

But by one year, they will have shot up to 1.5 inches!

By age two, they bump that number even more with 2-2.5 inches (6cm).

Then when you hit three years old, they will be about 4 inches long!

Four or five is where females reach 6 inches while males still hang back at almost 5 inches. You could call this stage “teenagehood”, as breeding may begin even though they aren’t quite adults yet.

At eight years, though? That’s a full grown turtle. They will grow 1-½ inches per year until they reach their maximum size.

Where to find pet red-eared slider

Now it’s time to look for your new forever friend. However, before you take the plunge, keep in mind that you should do your research and find an ethical breeder. Or you can check out pet stores, exotic pet shops, or reptile specialty shops.

Once you have found a red-eared slider, it’s time for inspection. Take note of healthy eyes with clear vision, and make sure all limbs are accounted for. Stay away from sickly-looking animals. If you find a sick or injured turtle that calls out to you and is meant to be your companion, be prepared to get prompt medical assistance and proper care instructions.

If you’re looking for a more humane option, consider adopting an adult Red-Eared Slider from a friend or turtle rescue organization. These centers provide shelter and medical care to turtles in need and often have adults available for adoption. It’s a great way to avoid the hassle of raising one from the hatchling stage if you aren’t into raising juveniles.

Buying from the pet market helps to reduce demand for wild-caught turtles, which should not be kept as pets.

One last very important note, be sure to double-check local laws; some regions classify the Red-Eared Slider as an invasive species, which may make possession illegal. So be extra careful!

There is a special feeling when you give another living being a new lease on life.

On a personal note, I adopted A’tuin, my own adult red ear slider, who had been abandoned to a pet store and had lost her will to live. She refused to eat and was not moving much.

After bringing her home and meeting her needs, she now has the joy back in her life and makes sure to get my attention every chance she gets. There are many times she makes me laugh. I enjoy watching her, spending time with her, and caring for her. As for her, she likes to watch me or the commotion and action happening around the house. Her favorite time is mealtime.

With this knowledge tucked away under your shell hat, off you go on an adventure to find your own personal turtle companion.

Why Have a Red Ear Slider as a Pet?

If you’re looking for a pet that’s easy to care for, easy on your wallet (after you get the housing squared away), and loads of fun, then you’ve got to check out red ear slider turtles! These little guys are charming, endearing, and have plenty of personality.

Red ear sliders are super-hardy, so you don’t have to be a pro to keep them healthy. They’re quite simple to feed too, and they have a few quirky habits that make for fascinating watching.

But watch out! When mealtime comes, they’re like little tanks – unstoppable snack machines.

Generally, these turtles are calm and easygoing. They’ll get along with most other pets – and with people, too, of course! They’re curious creatures, and they enjoy attention from their owners. Just don’t pick them up too much, as they’re not fans of that.

And if all of this wasn’t enough already – it turns out these cute turtle friends can even show affection, often coming right up to the glass of its enclosure every time someone passes by.

In general, they are social animals and enjoy interacting with their owners, and they do want to spend time with you and will try to get your attention.

Housing and Habitat Setup

Tank Size Considerations basic

Red-eared slider turtles are amazing and educational pets that can be a source of fun for the whole family. But, to make sure they have everything they need, your turtle’s habitat must have certain things.

To keep them healthy, it is recommended to keep a tank size of at least 50 gallons, providing enough room for them to bask in natural light and swim. A bigger tank would be better. A good rule of thumb is 20 gallons for every inch of turtle. Your turtle’s shell should fit comfortably in the water, which should be five times the size of its shell.

Turtle tanks should be full of unique activities and adventures to make them feel like a true kingdom. The red-eared slider turtle makes an adventure-filled pet, but the environment must offer it space for enough activities and the opportunity to enjoy aquatic life.

Filtering

Under the surface lies a secret world of water inhabited by red-ear slider turtles, and their guardians must protect them from any hidden dangers! A water filter designed specifically for an aquarium should be installed in the tank and set at a flow rate that can turn over all water in the tank three times per hour – otherwise, there’s danger lurking!

Keeping your tank healthy requires effort. Luckily, filtering out the waste and other undesirables isn’t too hard. Canister filters are great for the job, but submersible models work as well – take your pick! You can also pair an under-gravel filter with other filters. I also like to use a protein skimmer at the top of the water level to keep things clean.

You’ll want to make giving your filtration system some extra TLC with regular cleanings as well. I usually clean my Fluval canister filter every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how clean the water stays.

When it comes to taking care of red-ear slider turtles, the age-old adage “cleanliness is next to godliness” couldn’t ring truer.

Lighting Requirements

Red-eared slider turtles need their own little oasis, a special environment with both natural and artificial lighting, to stay active throughout the day and night. For them, natural light is like having sunlight streaming through their windows – allowing them to maintain their daily routine and soak up those beneficial UV rays!

If you can’t provide natural sunlight, you can get away with artificial lights in the form of full-spectrum heat bulbs placed alongside one side of their tank, mimicking solar energy from above. These uvb lights also provide heat for your pet.

It’s thanks to these powerful little guys that our pet sliders can get enough vitamin D3 which they use for keeping their skin & shell looking spick-n-span!

Think of it as a reptile spa day.

Substrate and Decorations

So, your turtle needs a clean and healthy habitat, right?

If you want to keep it super simple, try keeping the bottom of your turtle’s tank clean and bare, and substrate-free. There are many turtle owners who feel this is the best way to go. However, if you want your shelled buddy to feel at home, add some safe and stable substrates like natural sand or large gravel.

But remember, no sharp edges or rough textures! And be sure to clean the substrates often. Nobody likes surprises in murky water.

A good tip is that bigger is better for Red-Eared Slider tanks, so go for large gravel, rocks, or natural driftwood for fun decorations so they won’t be mistaken for a snack by the turtle! Small pebbles could easily become choking hazards if swallowed by mistake.

Want to add more color to the tank? Opt for brightly colored plastic, not silk, aquarium plants, or go for reptile bark. Live plants also add an attractive touch – just make sure you choose fast-growing, live varieties that are safe for turtles since turtles love snacking on them too. You will need a lot of those plants. That way, your aquarium can still look good even after heavy munching happens.

Water Temperature

Keeping the little reptilian pal in your life happy and healthy requires some cool climate control tech- like setting a temperature straight out of their tropical dreams! When it comes to finding that sweet spot, 75-80°F (24-27°C) should do just fine.

The best way to reach this blissful balance is with an underwater aquarium heater – but be sure not to overdo it, or you’ll have one unhappy freshwater turtle on your hands!

Basking Area

Red-Eared Slider turtles bring a little bit of the outdoors into our lives, but to make sure that these semi-aquatic friends are comfortable and happy in their habitat, we need to provide them with an ideal basking spot.

The best way to do that is to create an enclosure that’s large enough for your turtle to move around in. Just like you enjoy moving around a campfire to warm different parts of your body, Red-Eared Sliders need the same. You’ll need some artificial sunlight or a natural light source, along with a heat lamp providing enough warmth (around an ambient temperature of 90ºF/32.2ºC).

With some artificial sunlight or natural light plus a handy heat lamp providing just enough warmth (around 90ºF/32.2ºC), they can venture out onto land every now and then for sunbathing sessions to dry off while still having access to clean water nearby – kind of like us lounging by the pool on a hot day!

The basking area I currently have provided for A’tuin is the Penn Plax tank topper. This basking platform sits on top of the tank. But the water needs to stay high enough to let her climb the ramp. She loves lounging on the underwater shelf. I’ve also used the pond dock in the past.

Feeding Your Red Ear Slider Turtle

Feeding your Pet

These delightful little omnivores are like mini pirates, scavenging for food and eager to try out different flavors.

While they love snacks such as proteins, veggies, or occasional fruit treats – a proper diet should consist of 50% fresh greens and 25% pellets each day.

When it comes to feeding your turtle, you have three options:

• Once every three days
• Every other day, medium-sized meals
• Every day, but smaller meals

Remember that turtles tend to overstuff themselves if left unattended, so make sure all food is eaten within 15 minutes maximum! They don’t have an “off switch” to shut down eating.

Just don’t overfeed your turtle, especially with fatty foods or protein. If you do over-feed, you will see extra skin around their legs, especially when they pull their legs into their shell. Just feed less or change the schedule. Either that or offer more plant-based foods and leafy greens instead of proteins or pellets.

Red ear sliders are the masters of persuasion! They’ll use every trick in the book to get you to feed them. Swimming around, staring with those puppy-dog eyes – these wily creatures will stop at nothing until they’re satisfied. So Beware: If it seems like your slider is begging for food – he is. Don’t give in! Just feed the proper amounts. It’s kind of like a human eating a single piece of cake or the entire cake…

Here’s a fun fact you might not know: aquatic turtles have some pretty unique eating habits. They can only enjoy a meal if their head is underwater! Pretty weird, right? They need the water to help them swallow the food. And they are really messy eaters. This can certainly mess up a turtle tank in a hurry.

Thankfully there are a couple of solutions to this messy dining.

• Set up a separate tank for feeding times.
• Or feed in the normal tank.

Just scoop out any food that wasn’t eaten after meal times. Think of it kind of like cleaning the kitchen and doing the dishes after you eat.

Diet Options

Red-Eared Sliders are some of the most enthusiastic foodies in the aquatic world! With an omnivorous diet, they are always excited to try out new dishes, whether they be plant or animal-based.

Wild red-eared sliders will devour anything from seaweed and insects to small fish and even snails – nothing is off-limits when they can get it.

While not quite as picky in captivity, where there are fewer food choices, Red-Eared Sliders can still get bored quickly. To keep things interesting, try offering them some commercial turtle pellets combined with chopped vegetables, cooked lean meats, dried shrimp, or even some frozen and thawed prey, like bloodworms.

Youngsters tend to be more carnivorous, while adults tend to prefer veggie side dishes (unless snacks are involved!).

Make sure to give your pet a wide variety at meal times if they’re going grow strong and healthy too.

My turtle, A’tuin’s favorite foods are red leaf lettuce, carrots, pellets, and of course, snack foods, like freeze dried bugs and dried shrimp which I coat in calcium powder. I also feed her green hair algae, aquatic plants like water hyacinth, water lettuce, duckweed, or even aquatic snails that grow in any of my many aquariums, which she loves. I also throw in a cuttlebone every now and then that she likes to chew down.

Supplements to Consider

Red-eared sliders need more than just their favorite foods and access to water. They also require a little extra special care in the form of vitamins and minerals for optimal health!

Turtle Pellets are a good way to add most of these nutrients to your turtle’s diet.

However, they will still require additional calcium. Calcium powder, calcium blocks, or cuttlebone twice per week are recommended – plus certain A, D3 & E vitamin supplements that can be found specially formulated for turtles like them.

So keep your slider healthy by providing all these essential nutrients right at home! I use all of the following supplements for A’tuin.

Caring for Your Red Ear Slider Turtle

Handling Tips

Just like humans, red-eared sliders can be delicate and sometimes unhappy too. So, it’s important to handle them with care.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Place one hand on each side of the turtle.

2. Hold them close to your body.

3. Support its underside with your other hand.

4. Remember not to hold them too tightly as it may cause them stress.

5. Always respect their boundaries and handle them with gentleness.

Don’t let these cute little critters fool you, though—if provoked or mishandled, they may just bite! So keep hands and fingers out of range of their mouth.

Let’s talk salmonella…

Did you know that cuddling with a turtle could actually make you sick if you aren’t careful? Yup, red-eared sliders are known to carry salmonella – definitely, not something you want to deal with. Symptoms like stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea are not a good time for anyone, so let’s play it safe.

Always wash your hands right after handling these reptiles, and make sure to disinfect anything they’ve come into contact with.

Oh, and don’t let kiddos play with them alone, either! Remember, prevention is better than cure, folks.

Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy & Happy

To keep your red-eared slider living its best life, it’s important to deep clean the habitat at least once a month and clean the water at least every other week at a minimum. Otherwise, they might be dealing with scummy water and disgusting tank debris that would send any seasoned reptilian into hiding! To keep your red-eared slider habitat clean, you should do a complete cleaning at least once a month.

A quick checklist for keeping the place tidy is as follows:

• Start by removing your turtle from its enclosure.
• Drain the water from the tank. You can use an aquarium vacuum and/or a large fish tank net to remove sinking debris and unwanted food in the tank.
• Clean all surfaces of the enclosure. This will rid any algae that may have started growing on the glass or other surfaces.
• Be sure to rinse any rocks or decorations before returning them, and add fresh, edible plants if desired.
• Clean out the filter(s) if needed.
• Replace the water with fresh, dechlorinated water.
• Finally, return your turtle and monitor it for health and signs of stress.

Some experts or reptile caregivers, say to only change out 50% of the water at a time. This keeps the beneficial bacteria that breaks down waste growing. This really is important to keep the tank clean and cycled.

Since I have been keeping aquariums for most of my life, so I use slightly different methods and filter media to keep the beneficial bacteria in my turtle tank.

I will change out 75% of the water weekly, stirring up the sand on the bottom to clean out any waste that settles.

However, on the weeks I clean out the canister filter, I will not change as much water or stir up the substrate. I just do a simple 35%- 40% water change to get clean water in the tank for her.

In the years I have had A’tuin, she seems to do fine with this maintenance schedule. But I’m always up for learning better methods.

The bottom line is to keep the tank clean, however you choose to do so. Give them an environment worthy of royalty by regularly cleaning out those tanks — their health depends on it.

Toys and Entertainment

Just because they are a reptile, it doesn’t mean toys are out of the question. Red-eared sliders have plenty of options when it comes to interactive toys. They just may not seem as fun to humans.

With floating docks and ramps, your pet will feel like a high roller as they climb up their very own mountain!

Try out turtle balls, large ping pong balls, or playpens for those adventurous swimmers who want more than just the same old pools.

Light-up bath toys may interest them.

A’tuin’s favorite is a treat ball stuffed with yummy lettuce, shredded carrots, and tasty freeze dried bugs.

But maybe your little pal is looking for something a little more exotic- no problem there either! Your red-eared slider could definitely make use of some mirrors so they can admire themselves from all angles- who doesn’t like admiring themselves?

Watching your turtle play with their toys can be an absolute hoot! From chasing the colorful balls around the tank and sliding down steep slides, we all know what it’s like to watch someone have fun – even if they don’t always show it.

So observe your little buddy in action; you won’t regret giving them a moment or two of entertainment each day. And it will be lots of fun for them too!

 Outdoor Ponds

If you are in an area or season where you have the space, and you’re looking for a way to take your pet’s environment up a notch, why not try creating an outdoor pond?

This little oasis will provide plenty of space to explore– plus, it can look pretty sweet with the right set-up.

Just make sure that it’s safe by providing clean water free of pollutants as well as plenty of aquatic plants, so they feel secure while also having access to natural filtration.

Plus, there might even be a snack or two hidden amongst those leaves and other vegetation!

When creating your pond getaway for your pet turtle, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

• It should be at least four feet deep to ensure the water is clean and pollutant-free.
• Have some shallow areas where they can wade around with ease!
• Aeration systems also help oxygenate the waters so that aquatic plants and wildlife thrive.
• A filtration system would be helpful to keep the area clean.
• Rocks or logs placed along its edge offer cozy basking spots, while decorations add mystery & intrigue.
• And don’t forget safety – secure fencing helps contain their escapades (and keeps them safe from becoming lost)! We don’t want this guy wandering off into any strange adventures without us!

Turtle Health Concerns

What is the saying? It’s better to be proactive than reactive? This means it is better to prevent health problems than to wait for them to happen and then seek to fix them.

Two common health issues to look out for are shell rot and metabolic bone disease. If you don’t keep an eye on them, these conditions could cause some serious problems for your shelled friend!

Shell rot is a bacterial infection that affects their shells, so make sure you’re keeping the basking environment clean of anything moist or uneaten food, as well as keeping rotting food or other unclean things out of the water.

Metabolic bone disease occurs when there isn’t enough calcium in their diet or UVB light exposure. Luckily, this is easily prevented with a balanced diet full of nutrients plus access to UVB lighting!

It’s better to keep a healthy turtle from the beginning.

Baby Red-Eared Turtles

Are you ready to become a turtle parent? Baby turtles can usually be purchased at a pet store or by turtle breeders.

Keep in mind, though, that it is illegal to purchase a baby turtle with a carapace length of less than 4 inches.

Raising and caring for baby turtles can be an amazing experience- if it’s done right, of

course. It takes dedication and love to give your little one the care they deserve!

Start off by providing them with a nutritious diet packed with all the essential vitamins, minerals, and calcium that they need.

To be comfortable, young turtles need water temperature to be between 75 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit so they can enjoy swimming around in splendor.

And lastly, don’t forget about creating plenty of space where your bundle of joy has room to bask in the sun or cozy up inside some hiding places when exploring time calls!

Conclusion

In conclusion, pet Red-Eared Slider Turtles are wonderful and unique creatures who can bring joy to any home. As with all pet animals, they require lots of love, care, and attention to ensure they live a healthy and happy life, but when properly taken care of, they will be your loyal companion for years to come.

With the right environment and diet tailored to them, they will thrive and flourish in your home. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge into turtle parenthood, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get started!

FAQ

1. What do red-ear slider turtles eat?

Adult Red Ear Slider Turtles eat 15% proteins: insects, small fish, or small snails; 70% plants: seaweed, red leaf lettuce, dandelion greens or fruits; and nutritional supplements: 15% commercial turtle food pellets, calcium powder, and vitamins.

Juveniles eat 50% proteins and 50% vegetation. Add turtle pellets and supplements.

1. How big does my Red Ear Slider get?

The size of your red ear slider is dependent on gender. Males get up to 7 to 9 inches, and females can get up to 10 to 12 inches.

1. How old does a Red Ear Slider get?

A pet red ear slider can get as old as 50 years if cared for properly. But in the wild, they only live for 20 to 30 years.

1. What habitat does a Red Ear Slider need?

A red-ear slider turtle needs both an area of filtered water and land, as well as full spectrum lighting.

1. Where can I find a Red Ear Slider turtle for sale?

A red-ear slider turtle can be purchased from pet stores, turtle breeders, or reptile rescue centers. You could also check out a local pet trade.

1. How do I care for my Red Ear Slider Turtle?

Red-eared slider care includes deep filtered water to swim comfortably in, a dry basking area with full spectrum lighting including UV lights, commercial turtle pellets as well as fresh vegetation to eat, and heaters to maintain both water temperatures of 75-80°F (24-27°C) and a basking temperature of 90ºF (32.2ºC).

1. How do I know if my Red Ear Slider is a boy or a girl?

To know if your red ear slider is a boy or girl, you can be told by the breeder; look at their front claws; male red-eared sliders have long claws, while females have short; or look at the underside: males have an indented shell, where females have a straight shell.

1. What kind of housing does a Red Ear Slider need?

A red ear slider needs a large, filtered tank or pond, a dry dock area for basking, heat for both water and land and full spectrum and UV basking light. This is the minimum requirement for a turtle’s health.

1. How do I set up my Red Ear Slider Tank?

To set up your turtle tank, you will need a large 50+ gallon tank, depending on the size of your turtle, sand or large gravel. If you want a substrate, add a dock with a ramp so your turtle can get out of the water when needed, and put your full spectrum and UV lights over top.

You would add rinsed sand or gravel to the bottom of the tank and any plants or decorations you choose, and fill up the tank with warm water. Add in decolorizer to the water, a canister filter, and a submersible water heater.

You would fill the large tank with warm water halfway up the ramp to the basking spot or add in a floating dock. Place your heat and UV lights above the dock for a sunbathing area.

Then you can introduce your pet to its new home!

1. Can I put my Red Ear Slider in a pond?

Yes, you can put your red ear slider turtle in a pond. Just make sure it has deep and shallow areas, is filtered, has a lot of aquatic plants, and has a safety fence or border around it to keep your friend from wandering off and getting lost.

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