The largest living chelonian is the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which reaches a shell length of 200 cm (6.6 ft) and can reach a weight of over 900 kg (2,000 lb).Freshwater turtles are generally smaller, but with the largest species, the Asian softshell turtle Pelochelys cantorii, a few individuals have been reported up to 200 cm (6.6 ft). At the Aquarium, South American river turtles are fed sliced fruits, sweet potatoes, nuts, fresh greens, and commercial turtle food. The South American River Turtle, also known as the Arrau Turtle, is the largest freshwater turtle in the Amazon. These organisms can be found disseminated in various parts of the globe, meaning they can thrive in almost every climate. Before you start to feed your turtle you will need to determine the age of the turtle and the type of turtle it is. A young, growing turtle has a significantly different diet from that of their full-grown brethren. What Do You Feed A Turtle. Most turtles are meat eaters when they are young and plant eaters when they get older. Wood Turtle - Information on The Facts, Habitat, Diet and Lifespan of Wood Turtles Wood turtles are regarded as one of the more alert turtle species. Depending on their natural habitat a turtle will have a different diet. Scientifically termed Glyptemys insculpta, the wood turtle is also known as ‘old red leg’, a name acquired due to its orange/brick-red colored legs. In addition, people in some countries like to eat turtles and also turtle eggs. Well, this will depend on the species as well as the habitat of the species. As temperatures drop, activity levels decrease, as do turtles' metabolism. Size Adults feed entirely on plant matter. The South American river turtle (Podocnemis expansa), also known as arrau and charapa, is the largest freshwater turtle in South America, with shells over 80 cm long reported for some females. Take a look at the video above to see sea turtles in action, and check out these facts about three of the most common sea turtle species. So the question is what do turtles eat? You can either keep the tank water very clean so that they can drink from it, or make a separate dish of water on the land for them to drink out of. Wood Turtle… Of course, sea turtles housed in artificial enclosures have to be fed by humans and as such, their diets are usually different from that of wild sea turtles. ... Turtles and Tortoises. The cloaca is an opening in a turtle's rear end where the rectum and urinary systems empty. Freshwater turtles usually eat aquatic vegetation and small organisms like crustaceans, fish, insects and algae. What do turtles eat? It can grow up to 200 pounds and measure around 3.5 ft long. Most species eat a variety of insects and vegetation.