Effects of incubation temperatures on embryonic development in the Asian yellow pond turtle

The Asian yellow pond turtle, Mauremys mutica (Cantor), is a potential aquaculture target in China owing to the higher values for food and remedy than other species of turtle. In this study, color and morphological changes of fertilized eggs were observed during embryogenesis, and the effects of incubation temperature on embryonic development were analyzed. Both calcium layer and membrane layer are thicker in the middle portion of egg-shell than that in the terminal portion, and become thinner after embryo hatching than before embryonic development. Significant change in the white spot and subsequent white ring on the egg-shell occurs during embryonic development. Of five different incubation temperatures used to investigate the effects of incubation temperatures on embryonic development, 29.0 ± 0.5 °C was optimal for embryo survival and development. Moreover, the incubation temperature of 33.0 ± 0.5 °C was harmful effect to embryonic development. The data provide important and useful information for husbandry and management of the Asian yellow pond turtle.