Is this turtle suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Mississippi Map Turtle is considered a hardy species that's well-suited to first-time keepers. That said, good water quality management and a spacious swimming area are still essential, so it's worth setting up the enclosure properly from the start.

How big do they get as adults?

Adults reach a shell length of up to about 25 cm, with females typically growing larger than males. It's a good idea to plan for a larger enclosure as they mature.

Is this species subject to CITES?

Mississippi Map Turtle is listed in CITES Appendix III (listed by the United States for its own populations). International trade needs documents such as a certificate of origin, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell in Japan.

How long do they live?

The longest recorded captive lifespan is 35 years, making this a genuinely long-lived pet. It's worth planning for long-term care before bringing one home.

What should I feed them?

They're omnivores that eat aquatic insects, fish, and plants in the wild, so a staple commercial pellet supplemented with occasional live food and vegetables works well. Aim for a balanced, varied diet.

Mississippi Map Turtle

The Mississippi Map Turtle hails from river systems across the Mississippi basin in North America, named for the fine, light contour-like lines etched across its shell that resemble a topographic map. Within its genus, it's distinguished by white or gray irises with no dark band, a handy identification cue. Active swimmers, these turtles love basking in the sun and stay alert to any movement nearby, giving them a lively, watchful personality that's fun to observe. They're considered a good choice for beginners, and adults typically reach a shell length of up to 25 cm, with females growing noticeably larger than males.

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Mississippi Map Turtle key facts

Care level: Beginner-friendly
Lifespan: Maximum recorded longevity in captivity is 35 years
Size: Carapace up to 25cm, with females larger than males
Temperature
Diet: Aquatic turtle pellets, fish, insects, crustaceans, snails and aquatic plants
Temperature & Humidity: Keep the water at 21-27 C, the air a few degrees warmer at 24-29 C, and the hottest point of the basking spot at 32-38 C. All of these may drop by three to five degrees at night.
Enclosure: It is a strong swimmer, so allow at least 19-38 litres of water per 2.5 cm of carapace length; an adult may need close to 400 litres. Combine a basking platform large enough to dry off on with powerful filtration.
Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous with a carnivorous bias: base the diet on aquatic turtle pellets and add fish, insects, crustaceans and snails. Unusually for a map turtle it also eats aquatic plants readily.
Temperament: Wary: a basking animal drops into the water as soon as someone approaches. It is not aggressive and animals of the same species and size can be kept together.
Notes: The whole genus Graptemys was listed on CITES Appendix III at the request of the United States with effect from 14 June 2006. Appendix III species need no individual registration certificate in Japan, but export documentation from the country of origin is required. It is neither a designated dangerous animal nor an invasive alien species there, and animals in the Japanese trade are mostly captive bred.

TraitsAquatic turtleNorth AmericaBeginnerBaskingTurtle

About Mississippi Map Turtle

Mississippi Map Turtles are known for map-like shell markings and pale irises. Native to the Mississippi basin, they're active swimmers well-suited to beginners, growing up to a 25 cm shell length.

7 things to know before welcoming a Mississippi Map Turtle

1Room to Swim
Mississippi Map Turtles are strong, active swimmers, so their enclosure needs enough space and water depth for real swimming, not just soaking. Be sure to include both a swimming area and a dry basking spot.
2UVB Light and Basking
These turtles love to bask, and a UVB light plus a heat lamp over a basking platform are essential for regulating body temperature and staying healthy. Set up the basking area right next to the water.
3Water Quality and Filtration
They eat well and produce a fair amount of waste, so the water can foul quickly. A strong aquatic filter along with regular water changes helps keep conditions clean.
4An Omnivorous Diet
In the wild they eat a mix of aquatic insects, fish, and plants. A commercial turtle pellet as a staple, supplemented with occasional live food and vegetables, makes for a balanced diet.
5Alert and a Bit Shy
They're sensitive to noise and movement and tend to dive for cover the moment they're startled. Providing hiding spots and approaching calmly will help them settle in over time.
6Females Grow Large
Adults reach a shell length of up to 25 cm, with females growing noticeably larger than males. Even if you bring home a hatchling, plan ahead for the enclosure size they'll eventually need.
7A Long-Term Commitment
The longest recorded captive lifespan is 35 years, so this is an animal you may be caring for over decades. Think through future lifestyle changes and make sure you can commit to their long-term care.

Frequently asked questions about Mississippi Map Turtle

Q.Is this turtle suitable for beginners?: A.Yes, the Mississippi Map Turtle is considered a hardy species that's well-suited to first-time keepers. That said, good water quality management and a spacious swimming area are still essential, so it's worth setting up the enclosure properly from the start.
Q.How big do they get as adults?: A.Adults reach a shell length of up to about 25 cm, with females typically growing larger than males. It's a good idea to plan for a larger enclosure as they mature.
Q.Is this species subject to CITES?: A.Mississippi Map Turtle is listed in CITES Appendix III (listed by the United States for its own populations). International trade needs documents such as a certificate of origin, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell in Japan.
Q.How long do they live?: A.The longest recorded captive lifespan is 35 years, making this a genuinely long-lived pet. It's worth planning for long-term care before bringing one home.
Q.What should I feed them?: A.They're omnivores that eat aquatic insects, fish, and plants in the wild, so a staple commercial pellet supplemented with occasional live food and vegetables works well. Aim for a balanced, varied diet.