If you’re a turtle enthusiast looking for a unique and fascinating pet, then the Mississippi map turtle might just be the perfect choice for you. These turtles are native to the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and they boast a distinctive pattern of lines and dots on their shells, making them quite the eye-catching addition to any tank. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Mississippi map turtle care, including size, lifespan, diet, tank setup, and more. By the end, you’ll have a good sense of whether this unique species is the right pet for you.
| Key Fact | Number |
|---|---|
| Size when fully grown | 6-8 inches in length |
| Lifespan | 20-25 years |
| Minimum tank size | 75 gallons |
| Water temperature | 75-80°F |
| Diet | Commercial turtle pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, worms, crickets, and other insects |
| Sex determination | Physical differences and behavioral differences |
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Introduction
Overview of the Mississippi Map Turtle
The Mississippi map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii) is a subspecies of the common map turtle. It’s native to the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and it can also be found in other parts of the southeastern United States, such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The Mississippi map turtle is known for its distinctive pattern of lines and dots on its shell, which resembles a map. These turtles can grow to be about 6-8 inches long when fully grown, and they can live for over 20 years with proper care.
Characteristics of Full-Grown Mississippi Map Turtles
When fully grown, Mississippi map turtles will typically reach a length of 6-8 inches. These turtles have a distinctive pattern of lines and dots on their shells, which resemble a map. The color of their shells can vary from dark brown to black. They have a yellow or orange stripe on their heads and a yellow or orange line along their jaws. Their undersides are usually a pale yellow or cream color. Mississippi map turtles have webbed feet, which allow them to swim easily in the water.
Determining If a Mississippi Map Turtle is the Right Pet for You
Mississippi map turtles make great pets for those who enjoy observing their behavior and personality. They are relatively low maintenance and can be kept in a tank or pond with proper care. They are a hardy species and can live for more than 20 years.
They also require a relatively large tank and a UVB light to maintain their health. If you’re ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a Mississippi map turtle and have the space to provide a proper habitat, then they might be the perfect pet for you.
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Size and Lifespan
Average Size of a Full-Grown Mississippi Map Turtle
When fully grown, Mississippi map turtles will typically reach a length of 6-8 inches. They can weigh up to 2 pounds. They are not the biggest species of turtle out there, but they are still quite large and will need a tank that can accommodate their size.
Mississippi Map Turtle Lifespan
Mississippi map turtles have a lifespan of around 20-25 years with proper care. With proper care and diet, they can live up to 30 years, which makes them a long-term commitment as a pet. It’s important to consider their lifespan when deciding if a Mississippi map turtle is the right pet for you.
How Big Do Mississippi Map Turtles Get?
Mississippi map turtles can grow up to 6-8 inches in length when fully grown. They are not the biggest species of turtle out there, but they are still quite large and will need a tank that can accommodate their size. It’s important to consider the size of the turtle when setting up its tank and to choose a tank that is large enough to provide enough space for the turtle to swim and move around.
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Care and Tank Setup
Mississippi Map Turtle Diet
Mississippi map turtles are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of foods in the wild, including aquatic plants, fish, crustaceans, and insects. As pets, they can be fed a diet of commercial turtle pellets, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, such as lettuce, carrots, and berries. It’s important to provide a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources, such as worms and crickets, as well as leafy greens and fruits. Live food, such as mealworms and crickets, should be offered occasionally as a treat.
Mississippi Map Turtle Tank Size
Mississippi map turtles require a relatively large tank, with a minimum of 75 gallons being recommended. The tank should be long enough to provide enough swimming space for the turtle, as well as a basking area where the turtle can climb out of the water and dry off. A basking spot or dock should be provided for the turtle to rest on, and the water should be deep enough for the turtle to submerge itself. The water should be cleaned and filtered regularly to maintain good water quality.
Tank Setup for Mississippi Map Turtles
When setting up a tank for a Mississippi map turtle, it’s important to provide a basking spot or dock where the turtle can rest out of the water. A UVB light should also be provided to help the turtle absorb calcium and maintain good health.
The water should be kept at a temperature of around 75-80°F, and a water filter should be used to keep the water clean and clear. It’s also important to provide hiding spots for the turtle, such as rocks or caves, where it can retreat when it feels threatened or needs to rest.
Water Temperature for Mississippi Map Turtles
The water temperature for Mississippi map turtles should be kept between 75-80°F. A thermometer should be used to monitor the water temperature, and a water heater can be used to maintain the proper temperature. It’s important to keep the water temperature within this range to prevent health issues and to ensure that the turtle is comfortable.
Are Mississippi Map Turtles Good Pets?
Mississippi map turtles make great pets for those who enjoy observing their behavior and personality. They are relatively low maintenance and can be kept in a tank or pond with proper care. They are a hardy species and can live for more than 20 years.
However, they are not recommended for children as they may try to bite if they feel threatened. They also require a relatively large tank and a UVB light to maintain their health. If you’re ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a Mississippi map turtle and have the space to provide a proper habitat, then they might be the perfect pet for you.
Male vs Female
Physical Differences Between Male and Female Mississippi Map Turtles
Male and female Mississippi map turtles can be difficult to tell apart by their appearance alone, but there are a few physical differences that can be used to tell them apart. Male Mississippi map turtles typically have a longer tail and a concave plastron (bottom shell), while females have a shorter tail and a flat plastron.
However, it’s important to note that these differences are not always reliable and that the best way to determine the sex of a Mississippi map turtle is by consulting a veterinarian or a reptile expert. They can examine the turtle’s physical characteristics and behavior to accurately determine its sex.
Behavioral Differences Between Male and Female Mississippi Map Turtles
In addition to physical differences, there are also behavioral differences between male and female Mississippi map turtles. Male Mississippi map turtles tend to be more active and aggressive, while females are generally more docile. Male Mississippi map turtles also tend to be more vocal and may make noise when they are trying to attract a mate. Again, it’s important to remember that these differences are not always reliable and that the best way to determine the sex of a Mississippi map turtle is by consulting a veterinarian or a reptile expert.
My Private Notes
As someone who has had experience keeping Mississippi map turtles as pets, I’d like to share a few tips that I’ve learned along the way. These tips may not be obvious, but they can make a big difference in the health and happiness of your turtle.
Second, be sure to provide a basking spot with a UVB light. This will allow your turtle to absorb calcium and maintain good health. Without UVB light, your turtle may develop metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal.
Third, keep the water temperature between 75-80°F, and make sure to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Also, provide a water filter to keep the water clean and clear. The water should be cleaned and filtered regularly to maintain good water quality.
Finally, it’s important to remember that Mississippi map turtles can live for over 20 years, so owning one is a long-term commitment. Be prepared to make a long-term commitment to take care of your pet’s needs and provide it with a suitable habitat. Also, don’t forget to provide your turtle with a lot of love and attention, as it will help it thrive and live a long, happy life.
People Also Ask
How often should I feed my Mississippi map turtle?
Mississippi map turtles should be fed every 1-2 days. Juvenile turtles may need to be fed more frequently, while adult turtles can be fed every other day. It's important to not overfeed your turtle, as obesity can lead to health issues. It's also important to ensure that your turtle is getting a varied diet and is consuming a balanced diet.
How often should I clean my Mississippi map turtle's tank?
The frequency of cleaning your turtle's tank will depend on the size of the tank, the number of turtles in the tank, and the feeding schedule. A general rule of thumb is to do a partial water change (25-50%) every week, and to clean the bottom of the tank every 2-3 weeks or as needed. It's important to keep the water clean and clear to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and to maintain good water quality.
Can Mississippi map turtles live with other turtle species?
Mississippi map turtles can live with other turtle species, but it's important to ensure that all the turtles are compatible and have similar needs. It's also important to provide enough space and resources for all the turtles. Mississippi map turtles are relatively peaceful, but they can become aggressive during mating season or if they feel threatened, so it's best to keep them with other peaceful species.
Can Mississippi map turtles live in outdoor ponds?
Mississippi map turtles can survive in outdoor ponds if the conditions are suitable. They prefer warm temperatures, so the pond should be located in a warm area and have a basking spot with a UVB light. It's also important to ensure that the pond has a suitable filtration system to keep the water clean and clear. However, it's important to remember that in many places, it's illegal to release exotic pets into the wild and if the climate is too cold, the turtle will not survive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mississippi Map Turtles can make great pets for those who enjoy observing their behavior and personality. They are relatively low maintenance and can be kept in a tank or pond with proper care. However, owning a pet is a big responsibility and it should not be taken lightly. You should be prepared to make a long-term commitment to take care of your pet’s needs and provide it with a suitable habitat.