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Mississippi Map turtles are beautiful but not the easiest turtles to keep as pets. They are shy and quick to become stressed when handled. As an aquatic species, they require very clean water and spend most of their time swimming.
If you are willing to do the work to keep their tank clean and don’t want a pet you pick up or touch frequently, the Mississippi Map might be a good choice. You can find the answers to all of your questions about these pretty turtles here!
Quick Facts About Mississippi Map Turtles
| Species Name: | Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii |
| Family: | Emydidae |
| Care Level: | Medium to high |
| Temperature: | 80–85 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Temperament: | Timid, can bite if stressed |
| Color Form: | Olive green, brown, orange, yellow, black |
| Lifespan: | 15–25 years |
| Size: | Males—up to 5 inches; Females—up to 10 inches |
| Diet: | Turtle pellets, plants, fruits, vegetables, crickets, shrimp |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 25–75-gallon tank for single turtles |
| Tank Set-Up: | Water for swimming; beach; basking spot |
| Compatibility: | Can live with one another; limit females |
Mississippi Map Turtle Overview
Mississippi Map turtles have beautiful shells, and their markings resemble the lines on a map. They are smaller than many other aquatic species but require a lot of space to swim. They also make better pets for observing than for handling frequently. The Mississippi Map Turtle is quite timid and prefers to be left alone by people. They have very strong jaws and will bite if they are frightened.
However, experienced turtle owners make fascinating pets. They are very active and spend most of their time swimming. The Mississippi Map turtle prefers to live in a group with other Mississippi Maps. Therefore, it is best to have more than one so that they don’t get lonely.
How Much Do Mississippi Map Turtles Cost?
There is a wide range in prices for Mississippi Map Turtles. They can cost anywhere from $45 to $85, with most falling in the middle of that range. The price is dependent on where you buy your turtle, the turtle’s age, and the turtle’s health.
When you buy a turtle, you also need to consider the costs of keeping it happy and healthy. This includes a tank, strong filter, food, lighting, and temperature control.
Typical Behavior & Temperament
The Mississippi Map Turtle is beautiful but shy. They prefer to spend their time in a small group, swimming and hiding in the vegetation in their tank. These turtles are easily stressed, which can lead to health problems and aggression. They have very strong jaws and will bite if they are scared. This makes them a better choice for more experienced turtle owners than beginners.
Appearance & Varieties
Male Mississippi Map Turtles are significantly smaller than their female counterparts. The males are fully grown when they reach 3.5 to 5 inches. Females are twice that size, reaching a full length of 6 to 10 inches.
The Mississippi Map’s shell is the most distinctive feature. It is typically olive green or brown, and interconnected yellow or orange lines and circles cover the shells. The lines look like the lines on a map, which is where they get their name. The undershell is light green or yellow, with light brown lines running along the scutes.
The Mississippi Map has a dark green or black body with pale yellow stripes up and down their bodies. They also have yellow crescent-shaped markings over their eyes, which stand out from the rest of the striping on the skin.
How to Take Care of Mississippi Map Turtles
Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup
One of the reasons the Mississippi Map is not a good choice for the beginning turtle owner is because they require a lot of care and effort to keep them safe and healthy. They spend most of their time swimming and need the water in their tank to be very clean. However, they also eat in the water and use it as a toilet. It can be quite a challenge to keep it clean!
Tank
At a minimum, you will need a 25-gallon tank for a male Mississippi Map and a 75-gallon tank for a female. Since they are happiest when kept in groups, you will likely need a larger tank. A good rule to follow is to add half as much for each additional turtle. So, a female with a 75-gallon tank would need at least a 110-gallon tank if it had a mate.
It is crucial that they have enough space to swim, along with a beach area, and a basking spot.
Bedding
The beach of your turtle’s tank can be made of gravel and larger rocks. It needs to give them enough room to fully exit the water, turn around, and dry off. This is necessary to help prevent shell rot.
Temperature
The water temperature in your turtle’s tank should be kept between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The air temperature should be 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A heat lamp will be needed to maintain this temperature in their basking areas.
Lighting
The lighting in your turtle’s tank should mimic the sun’s natural rising and setting. A good rule of thumb is 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness each day. Turtles also need UVB lights to help their bodies metabolize calcium. You should change the bulbs every 6 months since they stop providing the needed levels of UVB after about that long.
Plants and Decor
Mississippi Map Turtles like to hide. They do well with a mix of live vegetation and fake plants in their environment. Aquatic caves, rocks, and logs are also good choices for hiding places.
Other Materials
Your Mississippi Map turtle also needs a very strong water filter. To prevent illness, their water needs to be kept very clean. This can be a tough chore since they eat in the water, use the water as a toilet, and nip at the aquatic plants in the tank. You will have to be vigilant about changing the tank water weekly and making sure your filter is in good working order.
Do Mississippi Map Turtles Get Along with Other Pets?
Mississippi Map turtles get along very well with one another. It is recommended that they not be kept in isolation as they will get bored and lonely. However, females can be much more aggressive than males. It is best to limit the number of females kept together.
They also should not be allowed around other pets like cats or dogs since they will bite when startled.
What to Feed Your Mississippi Map Turtle
Like most turtles, Mississippi Maps are omnivores. They will only eat when they are in the water. The majority of their diet should come from turtle pellets and fresh, leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, spinach, and parsley.
Other proteins can also be healthy for your turtles. Females are larger and thus have stronger jaws. They can more readily handle food with hard shells, such as snails. Males need smaller foods like shrimp.
Occasionally, you can also give your turtles treats. Small pieces of fresh fruit or fish are good choices.
Keeping Your Mississippi Map Turtle Healthy
The biggest cause of health problems in pet Mississippi Maps is unclean water. If their water is not kept completely clean at all times, they can suffer from fungal infections. Fungal infections can spread and cause problems with your turtle’s skin and shell.
If you do not provide your turtle with the right amount of UVB light, they can develop metabolic bone diseases, which will result in shell cracking and deformities. You should observe your turtle for any behavior irregularities. If they are lethargic or not eating, you should bring them to the veterinarian.
Breeding
Female Mississippi Map Turtles typically can lay eggs up to 3 times each year. Each time, she may lay anywhere from 5 to 20 eggs. The eggs take 50 to 70 days to hatch. The Mississippi Map lays her eggs outside of the water but very near the shore.
Are Mississippi Map Turtles Suitable for You?
The Mississippi Map is a high-maintenance turtle and is not for the novice turtle owner. However, a dedicated and experienced handler will find this beautiful species to be an interesting pet. If you have had success owning turtles in the past and can provide this species with the clean water and space they need, the Mississippi Map might be ideal for you.
Featured Image Credit: Ken Schulze, Shutterstock
