How difficult is it to keep Diamondback Terrapin?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

How large does Diamondback Terrapin get?

Diamondback Terrapin typically reaches Carapace up to 23.8cm; males up to 15.3cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Diamondback Terrapin?

Diamondback Terrapin feeds on: Aquatic turtle pellets, snails and bivalves, crustaceans and small fish. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Diamondback Terrapin?

The price of Diamondback Terrapin varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Diamondback Terrapin

Q: What is the lifespan of Diamondback Terrapin?

The average lifespan of Diamondback Terrapin is Up to 40 years in captivity; about 25 years is the estimate for wild animals. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

Intermediate

Malaclemys terrapin

An emydid turtle confined to the brackish coasts of eastern North America. Its English name comes from the concentric growth rings on the carapace scutes, which resemble the facets of a diamond. Lachrymal salt glands allow it to live in sea water.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

Up to 40 years in captivity; about 25 years is the estimate for wild animals

Size

Carapace up to 23.8cm; males up to 15.3cm

Humidity

40〜70%

Diet

Aquatic turtle pellets, snails and bivalves, crustaceans and small fish

About

Malaclemys terrapin is an emydid turtle of the brackish coastal waters of eastern and Gulf-coast North America and the only member of its genus. Uniquely among North American turtles it lives only in saline habitats such as salt marshes, tidal flats and estuaries, and enlarged lachrymal salt glands let it survive long periods in full-strength sea water. The skin is greyish white to pale grey with black spots and streaks, and the top of the head is covered with large spindle-shaped scales. The concentric growth rings on the carapace scutes give the animal its English name. Seven subspecies are recognised, differing in carapace shape, keel development and the colour of skin and beak. The sexes differ markedly: females have much larger jaws and crush molluscs powerfully. The species was severely depleted by harvesting for food in the early twentieth century.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Diamondback Terrapin

The Diamondback Terrapin lives Up to 40 years in captivity; about 25 years is the estimate for wild animals.

Size of the Diamondback Terrapin

The Diamondback Terrapin grows to Carapace up to 23.8cm; males up to 15.3cm.

Basic Info

Origin

The Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States from Massachusetts to Texas, and Bermuda, in salt marshes, tidal flats, inlets and estuaries

Lifespan

Up to 40 years in captivity; about 25 years is the estimate for wild animals

Size

Care Specifications

PeacefulSolitaryBreeding: Moderate

Sources: Reptiles Magazine: Diamondback Terrapin Natural History and Captive Care / Wikipedia (Japanese): Diamondback terrapin / Wikipedia (English): Diamondback terrapin / Reptile Database

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Malaclemys terrapin (Schoepff, 1793)

Synonyms: Testudo terrapin Schoepff, 1793, Emys macrocephala Gray, 1844, Malacoclemmys terrapin (Cope, 1875)

Authority databases: Reptile Database

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix IIIUCN VU · Vulnerable

Listed in CITES Appendix II effective June 12, 2013. As an Appendix II species, no CITES registration certificate for internationally rare wild fauna and flora is required. It does not fall under the designated animals listed in the Ordinance for the Enforcement of the Law Concerning the Protection and Management of Animals, nor is it designated as a specified alien species.

Sources: CITES Appendices / Ministry of the Environment: list of invasive alien species / Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (designated dangerous animals)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.