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Trachemys scripta elegans
The red-eared slider is a semiaquatic turtle belonging to the family Emydidae. It is a subspecies of pond slider. These reptiles are deceptively fast and are also decent swimmers. They hunt for prey and will attempt to capture it when the opportunity presents itself. They are aware of predators and people, and generally shy away from them. The red-eared slider is known to frantically slide off rocks and logs when approached.
Red-eared sliders are almost entirely aquatic, but leave the water to bask in the sun and lay eggs. Contrary to the popular misconception, red-eared sliders do not have saliva. They, like most aquatic turtles, have fixed tongues, so they must eat their food in water.