Tracheliotos

Tracheliotos is a genus of captive-bred turtles, originating from a program introduced in the 1990s. This species is a hybrid of Red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and Yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta). The Tracheliotos breeding program was created to produce a specific phenotype, mainly for visual appeal, with a multicolored pattern.

The resulting turtles are not recognized as a distinct species; rather, they are an artificial creation. Tracheliotos turtles can exhibit varying degrees of coloration, ranging from predominantly red and yellow to predominantly brown or other colors. No subspecies or recognized variations are associated with this genus.

Information on the individual virtues and vices of Tracheliotos turtles is limited, and available data may be anecdotal. It is believed that they can demonstrate the typical attributes and requirements of their parent species, the Red-eared and Yellow-bellied sliders. As hybrids are not naturally occurring, there has been controversy regarding their status and breeding.

Tracheliotos breeding programs are focused on creating turtles with diverse color patterns, which can raise questions about the validity of these hybrid species and their display in the pet trade. Lot ownership and sale variance is perceived to potentially complicate their taxonomic identity.