The Japanese pond turtle (Mauremys japonica) is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae. It is endemic to Japan. Its Japanese name is nihon ishigame that means Japanese stone turtle. Its population has decreased somewhat due to habitat loss, but it is not yet considered a threatened species.
This species is known to hybridize with the Chinese pond turtle, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle and the Chinese box turtle (and possibly other Geoemydidae) in captivity. As these three species are much rarer and strongly declining in the wild, this should be avoided.
Famous quotes containing the words japanese, pond and/or turtle:
“I will be all things to you. Father, mother, husband, counselor, Japanese bartender.”
—Mae West, U.S. screenwriter, W.C. Fields, and Edward Cline. Cuthbert Twillie (W.C. Fields)
“There have been many stories told about the bottom, or rather no bottom, of this pond, which certainly had no foundation for themselves. It is remarkable how long men will believe in the bottomlessness of a pond without taking the trouble to sound it.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“The second day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,”
—Unknown. The Twelve Days of Christmas (l. 4–6)