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Green-green turtle inoculation technology
The green tortoise, also known as "water jadeite," is a unique combination of medicinal, culinary, and decorative value. It has gained widespread popularity among consumers both domestically and internationally. Despite its name, the green turtle is not a rare species but rather a common freshwater turtle that naturally develops green algae on its shell. Due to the green, hair-like appearance of the algae, it's often referred to as the "green hair turtle." The key to successfully cultivating this special type of turtle lies in the successful inoculation of the "green hair"—a specific type of algae. Today, the technique for growing this algae on the turtle's shell is becoming increasingly important and widely studied.
1. **Selection of Turtle Species**
In China’s natural environment, there are 23 species of freshwater turtles. For green turtle cultivation, species such as the Chinese softshell turtle, yellow-throated turtle, flat-faced turtle, four-eyed turtle, and gold-headed turtle are commonly used. Among these, the yellow-throated turtle is the most preferred due to its better compatibility with the algae.
2. **Selection of Algae Species**
Choosing the right algae is crucial for the success of green turtle farming. The "green hair" found on the turtle’s shell is actually a type of filamentous algae, specifically from the genus *Chlorella* or similar species. This algae is thick, tough, and green in color, making it ideal for attachment. Unlike other filamentous green algae, which may be softer and less durable, this type adheres strongly to the turtle’s shell. Table 1 outlines the differences between base algae and other filamentous algae.
| Feature | Base Algae | Other Filamentous Green Algae |
|--------|------------|-------------------------------|
| Color | Deep green | Light green, yellowish, or dark green |
| Texture | Thick, firm, hard to remove | Thin, soft, easy to break |
| Branching | Only at the base | Often throughout the entire structure |
3. **Preparation Before Inoculation**
3.1 **Containers**
The container should have smooth inner walls and be large enough for the turtle to move freely.
3.2 **Turtle Selection and Rearing**
Healthy turtles with no shell damage and good appetite are selected. They should quickly sink into water when placed in it. Female turtles are preferred over males, especially if using the red-eared slider. Before inoculation, the shells are cleaned and treated with copper sulfate (8 mg/kg) for 10–30 minutes, then rinsed and soaked in potassium permanganate (2 mg/kg) for 30 minutes. After cleaning, the turtles are kept under intensive care and fasted for one week before inoculation to avoid contamination.
3.3 **Shell Treatment**
The turtle’s shell is gently roughened with sandpaper to improve algae adhesion, without causing injury.
3.4 **Water Preparation**
Clean, filtered water with a pH of 7–8.5 is used. Sun-exposed well water can also be effective.
3.5 **Algae Cleaning**
Before inoculation, the algae is thoroughly cleaned to remove any unwanted organisms like ciliates or trichophytes.
3.6 **Inoculation Timing**
The best time for inoculation is during spring and autumn when the water temperature is between 20–24°C, which promotes optimal spore release.
4. **Inoculation Method**
Once the base algae shows a high number of zoospores, it is chopped and added to the turtle’s culture container. Each turtle weighing 0.3 kg requires about 5–6 grams of algae. The containers should be transparent and open, allowing individual or grouped turtles to move freely. After inoculation, the turtles are kept in a well-lit area with water temperatures maintained at 22–24°C. Nutrient salts and 1% photosynthetic bacteria are added every 5–7 days.
After several months of proper care, short green filaments—called vegetative spore buds—begin to appear on the turtle’s shell. Within about four months, a full green covering, approximately 9 cm long, forms. A product is considered qualified when the green hair reaches around 5 cm in length.