Raising False Map Turtles

The false map turtle is a medium-sized, mainly aquatic reptile native to the U.S. It grows between 5 to 10 inches in length and has a broad, flattened, dark brown shell. It is not a common aquatic pet, as the species is endangered in some areas, but it can be kept in some states and is considered a good species for beginners.

  1. Habitat

    • To save money and time when raising a false map turtle, starting with an adult-sized aquarium rather than increasing tank size as the turtle grows is preferable. Males, being smaller, can be kept in a 30-gallon tank or larger, while females need a minimum of 70 gallons of space for comfort. The water level should be deep to allow the turtles the chance to swim, but there should also be dry land and drift wood to sit on. The tank's floor should be covered with either sand or fine gravel and live aquarium plants are good for decoration.

    Conditions

    • The turtles need clean, well-maintained water, so regular partial changes of aquarium water are advised. A water filter may also help to extend times between aquarium cleans by removing the worst of the contaminants. Use a water heater to keep the temperature at around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Set up a heat lamp that creates a temperature of around 87 to 92 degrees over the turtle's preferred basking area. Away from the lamp and out of the water, the air temperature should be around 80 to 85 degrees to keep the turtle comfortable.

    Social Keeping

    • False map turtles are suitable for keeping in groups, but they will need larger tanks. For each additional male, an extra 20 gallons of space is needed, while 50 gallons is suggested for additional females. The turtles are not only compatible with their own species but can also be kept with other species like sliders, cooters, mud turtles, painted turtles and musk turtles.

    Feeding

    • False map turtles are omnivores and in the wild, they feed on aquatic plants, insects, small fish and will also eat the carcasses of larger dead fish. A commercial turtle or suitable reptile food should be offered daily, but do not over-feed as uneaten food can foul the water. The turtle food can also be supplemented with vegetables, insects such as crickets small dead fish, snails and worms. The food should be dropped into the water as this is how the turtles find their food naturally. Any aquatic plants in the tank should also be edible.