Description
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Argentine Side Neck Turtles for Sale – Beautiful & Bold Aquatic Reptiles
If you’re on the hunt for a water turtle that’s hardy, personable, and just different from your average slider, then you’ll want to meet the Argentine Side Neck Turtle — also known as Phrynops hilarii. These South American stunners are known for their wide, flat carapace, distinct facial striping, and, of course, their side neck movement — a quirky behavior where they tuck their heads sideways under the shell rather than straight back like most turtles.
Here at Kingsman Exotic Reptiles, our Argentine Side Neck Turtles for sale are 100% captive bred, healthy, and active. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a hardy aquatic turtle, or an experienced keeper wanting to add a new species to the collection, these turtles check all the boxes.
📌 What Makes Argentine Side Neck Turtles Special?
Native to the freshwater rivers and ponds of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, Phrynops hilarii stands out with its sleek body, striped face, and chill attitude. Their sideways-neck fold is not only a cool trait to watch but also a strong natural defense — and it gives them a unique aesthetic that other turtles just don’t have.
🔍 Key Features:
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Shell: Oval, flat, often olive to brown with light growth rings
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Skin: Gray to dark brown with cream or yellow facial stripes
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Size: Medium to large aquatic turtle
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Neck Behavior: Folds head sideways under the shell
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Temperament: Calm, curious, and aquatic
📊 Quick Care Overview
Feature Description Scientific Name Phrynops hilarii Common Name Argentine Side Neck Turtle Adult Size 10–14 inches Lifespan 20–40 years Temperament Peaceful, social, but not for handling Diet Omnivore – leans toward carnivorous Experience Level Beginner-friendly with simple care needs
🐢 Sizes & Availability
We currently offer Argentine Side Neck Turtles for sale in the following sizes:
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Hatchlings (2–3 inches) – Bright-eyed and eating great
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Juveniles (4–6 inches) – Well started and water-ready
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Sub-adults – On occasion, for serious collectors
All of our Argentine Side Necks are captive-bred, which means no stress from the wild, no parasites, and full transparency on health and genetics. You’re getting a turtle that’s already acclimated to tank life and feeding routines.
🍔 Diet & Feeding Routine
Argentine Side Necks are enthusiastic eaters and grow rapidly on the right diet. They’re mostly carnivorous when young and shift to a more omnivorous diet as adults.
✅ Protein Staples:
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Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Pellets
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Omega One Turtle Sticks
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Silversides and raw tilapia (cut small)
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Crickets, mealworms, earthworms
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Dubia roaches (gut-loaded)
🥬 Veggies & Aquatic Plants:
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Duckweed, anacharis, water lettuce
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Romaine, dandelion greens
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Grated zucchini or squash
Feed hatchlings daily, juveniles every other day, and adults 3–4 times a week.
💡 Feeding Tip: Use floating food to encourage natural feeding behavior. These guys are visual hunters and love a challenge.
🏠 Tank Setup & Habitat Requirements
Argentine Side Necks are highly aquatic and appreciate both swimming space and high water quality. While they’re not basking fiends like map turtles, they do enjoy a solid basking area with heat and UVB.
🐢 Enclosure Requirements:
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Tank Size:
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Hatchlings: 30–40 gallons
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Adults: 120 gallons+ or stock tanks
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Water Depth: Minimum 12–18 inches (they’re strong swimmers)
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Filtration: Canister filter or high-power HOB
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Substrate: Bare bottom or river stones
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Lighting:
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UVB (T5 high output)
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Basking lamp (90–95°F)
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Ambient Temp: 78–82°F water; 85–90°F basking platform
They do best in planted tanks with driftwood and shaded spots — recreating their native South American vibe.
🧠 Behavior & Temperament
Argentine Side Neck Turtles are naturally non-aggressive, and even juveniles tend to get along well with others of similar size. They’re not flighty or shy, and once they know you’re the food source, they’ll rush to greet you at the tank wall.
⚠️ Handling Note:
They’re not “cuddly” reptiles. Like most aquatic turtles, these guys don’t enjoy being picked up. Stick to watching and feeding for best interaction.
🚚 Shipping & Guarantee
Every Argentine Side Neck Turtle we sell comes with our Kingsman Peace of Mind Package:
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✅ Overnight FedEx Priority Shipping
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✅ Live Arrival Guarantee
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✅ 7-Day Health Guarantee
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✅ Weather-safe packing for year-round delivery
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📞 Full support from real reptile experts
We’ve shipped thousands of reptiles safely across the U.S. — and we’re proud of our record. Every animal is treated like it’s our own.
🥇 Why Choose Kingsman Exotic Reptiles?
Because we’re not just slinging turtles — we’re building a reptile family. Our team is made up of real keepers with hands-on experience, and we go above and beyond to ensure that you get a thriving, vibrant turtle every time.
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🐢 Healthy, Captive-Bred Stock Only
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📦 Professional Packing with Tracking
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💬 Live Support Before & After Your Order
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📚 Education-Based Care Approach
🛒 Ready to Own One?
Argentine Side Necks are perfect if you want something active, beautiful, and beginner-friendly without sacrificing personality. They’re also hardy and long-lived — great for anyone wanting a turtle that grows with them.
👉 Click “Add to Cart” now to secure your Argentine Side Neck Turtle for sale — availability is always limited due to demand and ethical breeding cycles.
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