Mississippi Map Turtle

Caring for your Mississippi Map Turtle

I’m a lively turtle with an eye-catching shell, but I can get a little nervous and am easily stressed.

My water quality has to be just right, otherwise I’ll be very unhappy. I also grow quite big and need a lot of space to swim around (which I really enjoy) so would prefer a home with a turtle keeper with a lot of experience.

Species Profile

Scientific name: Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni

Adult size: Up to 30cm (12 inches)

Average lifespan: 12–20 years

Suggested for: Experienced turtle keepers

Housing: Turtle tank at least 120cm long and 30cm tall, with a strong filter and an intense UVB light

Environmental requirements:
Water temperature of 25°C, basking platform with a temperature of 26–37°C

Diet: Mix of turtle food, insects, meat, worms and leafy greens

FUN FACT: Mississippi map turtles aren’t native to the state of Mississippi. They get their name from the Mississippi River, which spans 10 US states.