Terrapin vs Turtle: The Differences Explained

We might often use the term “turtle” to describe any creature with a shell and four legs. But what you may not realize is that there are many types of turtles, terrapins, and tortoises that have vastly different features. You may mistake a common turtle for a terrapin, not thinking much about it.

But what exactly is the difference? Are terrapins just a subspecies or type of turtle? We’ll answer those questions as we examine the differences between terrapins and turtles.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Terrapin Overview

The diamondback terrapin is a turtle native to parts of the United States and Bermuda. The word “terrapin” originated from the Virginia Algonquian term for “little turtle.” They prefer the comfort of marshes, estuaries, and tidal creeks to call home—spanning all across northern coastal lines.

They’re aquatic turtles, so they must have access to saltwater to prevent dehydration, but they don’t live in it continually. They mostly live in brackish water, which naturally has more salinity than freshwater.

Terrapins have fascinating skin with swirling colors and exciting patterns on their shells.

Types of Terrapins

There are seven subspecies of the diamondback terrapin. They all require similar care and habitats, but they vary slightly in color and features.

Personality & Character

If you take the time to get to know your terrapin, you’ll quickly see that they have quite a personality. They typically don’t mind being handled, but they won’t have an issue letting you know if they need their space. While terrapins aren’t inherently aggressive, they may nip if threatened or bothered. The best thing to do is give your terrapin space to be themselves.

Terrapins are incredibly social creatures that benefit from having cage mates to spend time with. If you have the space in your aquarium, you should always have more than one. Although it is possible to raise one alone, they may be very lonely—so having a buddy is best.

Do not overcrowd the tank, as this can cause irritation or aggression. Terrapins may snap at one another and cause injuries. So, always ensure your enclosure is suitable for the number of terrapins you have.

Environmental Space

Your terrapin should have access to brackish water and dry land. The tank must have water at least three times the height of their shell so that they can submerge themselves as needed. You will need a flat surface where they can comfortably lay and toast their shells for basking.

Because of food and waste, the tank’s water will get dirty quickly. So, ensure you have a filtration system and change the water regularly to maintain a clean living space. Dirty water can cause all sorts of health problems.

Terrapins greatly benefit from having coral as a substrate in their aquarium. An added benefit to coral is that it’s full of calcium. So, when your terrapin snacks on the crunchy coral, they’ll have an extra dose of much-needed calcium for their shells.

Proper lighting is essential so your terrapin can adequately convert vitamin D. Make sure that they have a UVB light on about 12 hours per day. Without appropriate lighting, your terrapin might not grow appropriately.

Food & Diet

Proper nutrition is of the utmost importance to keeping your terrapins healthy. Even though your pets might enjoy the occasional plant-based treat, they will mostly eat meat. It would be best to feed them a good portion once every other day.

Some fabulous foods for terrapins are:

Don’t feed them meat that doesn’t exist in their natural environment, as they can’t digest it.

Health Concerns

Diamondback terrapins are generally very healthy reptiles. One primary concern for the species is shell rot, or ulcerative shell disease, which occurs when the shell starts to flake, film over, or discharge due to infection.

This condition is much less common in terrapins born into captivity, but it is still possible.

Suitable for:

You can keep a terrapin as a pet if you have an appropriate tank with adequate space and a flowing water source. You should always ensure you have the space for the tank you’ll need. Terrapins make great pets for any household, but they must be handled respectfully and carefully.

Turtle Overview

Turtles are reptiles that have a hard shell and soft body. They live in freshwater and saltwater, and there are species on both ends of the spectrum. Many think that land-dwelling shelled reptiles are turtles, but they are tortoises.

Turtles have quite a cute appearance, with hard, colorful, concave shells and droopy expressions. Most turtles have exceptionally long lifespans. Those in captivity live around 10 to 80 years, while others can reach 100 years or more.

As pets, the more you socialize with them, the happier they will be.

Types of Turtles

The title “turtle” seems to cover all species, regardless of whether they’re a turtle or not. People tend to confuse the turtle, terrapin, and tortoise. There are over 356 turtle species, which are usually saltwater creatures that stay primarily in water.

Personality & Character

If you spend some time with turtles, you will immediately notice their character. They are gentle, calm, and quiet creatures. They are quite shy and slow, as their reputation shows. They don’t like chaos in any form and will try to avoid it at all costs.

If you have a pet turtle, you may see them seeking shelter in their shell if they hear loud noises, see bright lights, or experience any other sudden disturbance. They aren’t aggressive creatures, keeping to themselves most of the time.

Turtles have relatively small brains, considering their size. Their brains are less complex, which means that they have more primal instincts. They may fight with other turtles over food or mating, but it’s uncommon.

Environmental Space

Pet turtles need at least 50 gallons of water to enjoy. You’ll need to have a filtration system to keep the environment clean and clear. They also require open space and adequate room to swim around since they’ll spend most of their time in the water.

Turtles need space for basking and a UVB lamp to stay healthy. You can put aquatic plants in the tank for both aesthetic and eating purposes. You can add larger fish to their aquarium, but be careful not to add smaller fish. Your turtle will eat fish if they are too small.

You can line the bottom of the aquarium with gravel, cleaning or swapping out as needed. Some turtles get very large and need enough room to swim, which is why it’s best to buy the largest aquarium possible.

Food & Diet

Your turtle will eat plants and meat. You can buy commercial turtle foods, but you must also provide veggies and some fruits. You might have a picky turtle who prefers some snacks over others.

Some favorites for many turtles are:

Even though they eat meat, their primary diet source should be plant-based.

Health Concerns

If you care for your turtle correctly, you should have a very healthy animal. However, that doesn’t mean they will not develop sickness or disease. Most commonly, domesticated turtles living in captivity might experience vitamin A deficiency, respiratory infections, and shell rot.

Suitable for:

Turtles can be good pets for many households since they are low-maintenance pets. There is a large variety of species, and you can get very selective on exactly which pet turtle you want. If you have a large aquarium and keep it clean, your turtle should live a very long, happy life.

Terrapin vs Turtle: A Quick Comparison

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Both the terrapin and turtle can be rewarding reptiles to own. When it comes down to it, you’ll have to decide which species you like more. When it comes to personality, environment, and size, they are pretty similar.

No matter which you choose, just remember to buy the appropriate aquarium so your shelled buddy has plenty of room to grow. Also, remember that if you buy a terrapin, having more than one is better. So, if you’re looking for a single pet, a turtle may be more up your alley.

• See also: Why Do Hedgehogs Fart? Should You Be Worried?

Featured Image Credit: Top – Sergii Votit, Shutterstock | Bottom – amray, Shutterstock