Map Turtles Of Mississippi: How Big Can They Get?

The Mississippi map turtle is a species of aquatic turtle native to the Mississippi River and its southern tributaries. These turtles are characterised by their brown or olive shells with intricate patterns of yellow or orange semi-circles, and bright yellow stripes extending from behind the eyes. As fully-grown adults, female Mississippi map turtles can reach a shell length of up to 10 inches, while males typically grow to around 5 inches.

Mississippi map turtles can grow to be 6-10 inches (females) or 3.5-5 inches (males) in carapace length

The Mississippi map turtle is considered a medium-sized turtle when it reaches full growth. However, there is a notable size difference between males and females.

Females of the species can grow to a carapace length of 6 to 10 inches (15 cm to 25 cm), while males only reach a carapace length of 3.5 to 5 inches (9 cm to 13 cm). This means that female Mississippi map turtles can be almost twice as long as their male counterparts.

The larger size of female Mississippi map turtles is reflected in their diet. They have larger jaws that can crush larger prey, such as snails and clams. On the other hand, males have to make do with smaller prey like aquatic insects, crustaceans, mealworms, and mollusks.

The size difference also has implications for keeping Mississippi map turtles as pets. Females require a larger enclosure, with a minimum tank size of 75 gallons, while a male can be kept in a 25-gallon tank.

In the wild, Mississippi map turtles are found in large streams, lakes, and rivers, where they have plenty of space to swim and enough water depth to escape from potential threats. In captivity, it is essential to provide them with a spacious and adequately filtered tank to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible.

They require a large enclosure with a basking area and a water depth of at least 10 gallons per inch of shell

Mississippi map turtles require a large enclosure with a basking area and a specific water depth. The enclosure should be a turtle tank, as they need fully submerged sections without the risk of leaking. The minimum length of the tank should be 90cm, with a width of at least 1200mm and a minimum height of around 300mm. The height is important to provide swimming space for these turtles, who are strong swimmers and feel at home in mildly turbulent water flow.

The basking area should be large enough for the turtle to get its entire body out of the water and dry off. It should be constructed from non-abrasive, non-toxic materials that can support the turtle's weight, such as driftwood, smooth rocks, or gravel built up to create a beach. The basking area should be positioned in line with the water level to make it easy for the turtle to get in and out. Floating docks can also be used, which will automatically reposition to match the water level. A ramp can also be added to make it easier for the turtle to climb up.

The water depth should be a minimum of 10 gallons per inch of shell. For a female turtle, which can grow up to 10 inches, this would mean 100 gallons of water. For a male, which grows up to 5 inches, 50 gallons of water is required as a minimum.

They are omnivores but tend to be more carnivorous than other aquatic turtles

Mississippi map turtles (Graptemys kohnii) are omnivores, but they tend to be more carnivorous than other aquatic turtles. This means that while they do eat some plant-based food, their diet is predominantly meat-based.

In the wild, these turtles typically feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects, and worms. They are known for their strong jaws and ability to consume prey that may be relatively large in comparison to their body size. This includes items such as crayfish and aquatic insects, which they can capture with their quick reflexes.

The carnivorous tendencies of Mississippi map turtles may be attributed to their natural habitat and feeding opportunities. They are often found in rivers with moderate to strong currents, where they can actively hunt for prey. Additionally, their sharp, pointed beaks enable them to tear through flesh efficiently.

While they do consume aquatic vegetation, it is not a primary part of their diet. The plant matter they ingest is often incidental, as they feed on plants that small fish or insects may be hiding in or around.

When kept in captivity, it is important to replicate this natural diet as closely as possible. A balanced diet for a pet Mississippi map turtle would include a variety of whole fish, lean meats, and some leafy greens or aquatic plants. It is also beneficial to provide opportunities for them to hunt and forage, such as feeding live prey or providing food in ways that encourage natural behaviour.

They are challenging pets due to their nervous disposition and high maintenance needs

Mississippi map turtles are challenging pets due to their nervous disposition and high maintenance needs. They are extremely skittish and wary, always on the lookout for an opportunity to flee to deep water. They are also very particular about their living conditions, requiring pristine water quality and a large, deep aquarium habitat with a strong current and filtration system.

These turtles are not suitable pets for children or novice keepers, as they can easily become stressed and ill if their environment is not meticulously maintained. They are also very sensitive to handling, with strong jaws that can deliver a strong bite if they feel threatened.

Mississippi map turtles require a lot of space to swim and need a large enclosure with a powerful filter to keep their water clean. Their diet is mostly carnivorous, and they are prone to being overfed, which can lead to an unhealthy growth rate and shell deformities. They require a careful balance of protein, vegetation, and turtle pellets, with their food portions carefully monitored to avoid overfeeding.

In addition to their dietary and enclosure needs, Mississippi map turtles have specific lighting and temperature requirements. They need access to a basking area with a temperature between 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit and a water temperature in the low to mid-70s. They also require UVB lighting, which should be replaced every 9-12 months, to synthesise vitamin D and prevent metabolic bone disease.

Overall, Mississippi map turtles are challenging pets that demand a lot of time, attention, and expertise to ensure their health and well-being. They are not recommended for beginners due to their nervous disposition and the high level of maintenance they require.

They are native to the Mississippi Valley and other states along the Mississippi River and its tributaries

Mississippi map turtles are native to the Mississippi Valley, stretching from Illinois and Iowa down to the Gulf States of Mississippi and Texas. They can also be found in Nebraska and other states along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, including Minnesota, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

The natural range of Mississippi map turtles covers ten states in total, including some areas in the north like Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota, and southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. They are typically found in open, moving bodies of water, such as large lakes, streams, and rivers, rather than isolated ponds or small creeks. They tend to favour habitats with abundant vegetation and sunny places to bask but are very skittish and will quickly disappear into the water when disturbed.

The Mississippi River and its tributaries provide the ideal environment for Mississippi map turtles, offering ample opportunities for swimming, basking, and nesting. The presence of lush vegetation and open waters allows them to thrive and exhibit their natural behaviours.

The Mississippi map turtle is well-adapted to its native habitat, with females typically growing to a larger size than males. They are known for their prominent ridge running along the centre of their carapace and their brown or olive shell with intricate patterns of yellow to orange semi-circles.

The natural distribution of Mississippi map turtles along the Mississippi River and its tributaries highlights the importance of conserving these aquatic ecosystems. Their presence in multiple states also underscores the need for collaborative conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of this fascinating species.

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