Florida Red-Bellied Cooter

Pseudemys nelsoni

The Florida red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys nelsoni) is a large freshwater turtle in the family Emydidae. Adults reach 30-37 cm carapace length with a dark olive to black carapace featuring red or yellow markings, and a distinctive reddish-orange plastron (belly). The head displays yellow stripes on a dark background. This species is native to the southeastern United States, primarily Florida and southern Georgia, inhabiting springs, rivers, lakes, and ponds at depths of 0-5 meters. They are herbivorous, feeding primarily on aquatic vegetation. Florida red-bellied cooters are commonly encountered by divers in Florida's famous spring systems, where crystal-clear water provides exceptional visibility. They bask on logs and rocks during the day and are often surprisingly tolerant of divers in well-visited springs. Their bright red belly is visible when they swim overhead, creating a memorable sight for freshwater divers.