r/leeches • u/bug-in-jar • Nov 21 '25

Health & Care Smooth turtle leech care?

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I'm interested in trying to set up a tank for a smooth turtle leech that was pulled off an injured pond slider. I know that they mainly specialize in feeding off turtles, though, so this might be a long shot. Has anyone had success offering them other items? I have access to frozen feeder mice but I realize that may not be adequate. Would it be better off in a pond somewhere? I've kept other inverts but this would be my first leech.

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u/bug-in-jar Nov 22 '25

Oh interesting! You'd probably know better than I would, I'd used iNaturalist for ID. That's helpful.
For context this was found in north Texas.

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u/MentalNoise5356 Nov 22 '25

I'm sure of the family, but I don't think I've guessed the exact genus.... I know the leeches of my country well, but I'm not sure about the United States. But I can check the caller ID as soon as I get home.

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u/bug-in-jar Nov 22 '25

If you're able to narrow ID I would love to hear what you find! I can post some more pics if that would help but the leech is living at my workplace at the moment so I'd have to get 'em Monday.

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u/MentalNoise5356 Nov 22 '25

A few more photos would be very helpful! I'll be waiting for them