Basking

Can Red-eared Sliders eat Hornwort?

Trachemys scripta elegans · Ceratophyllum demersum

Caution

Daily

Specialist resource

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a well-established, non-toxic aquatic plant widely used with Red-eared Sliders; Tortoise Trust endorses aquatic plants and salad as freely available for this species. It provides natural foraging enrichment and constitutes appropriate plant matter for the 75% vegetable component in adult diets per ReptiFiles.

Feeding frequency

DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever
Caution

Daily

OmnivoreVegetableLow oxalateNot toxic

The short answer

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a well-established, non-toxic aquatic plant widely used with Red-eared Sliders; Tortoise Trust endorses aquatic plants and salad as freely available for this species. It provides natural foraging enrichment and constitutes appropriate plant matter for the 75% vegetable component in adult diets per ReptiFiles.

Feeding it safely

How much / how often

Daily

Backed by sources

Reviewed by basking_research · June 2026

Basking is here to help you learn — it isn't veterinary advice. For anything specific to your animal, talk to a qualified exotic-animal vet.

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