By Beth and Tom C

Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota

Male    4 - 6.5"             Female   6 - 9"

Fish, marine snails, invertebrates, marine and tidal mollusks, carrion, clams, worms, gastropods, crab

Air Temperature:  Low to mid 80's

Basking Temperature:  High 80's to low 90's

Water Temperature:  Low to mid 70's

1.017 - 1.012

7.5 - 8.25

Tidal flats, coves, estuaries, coastal marches, inner edges of barrier beaches, salt and brackish water that are sheltered and unpolluted waters.

Florida Bay to Florida panhandle.

Yes if it is Captive-Bred.  If terrapin is Wild-Caught it would be better off for intermediate and experienced keepers.

These are aggressive baskers, so a basking spot is required. UVB lighting is needed as well as a heat lamp over the basking spot. A submersible heater is recommended if the water temps fall below the recommendation. They are excellent swimmers and their captive habitat should have a water depth as deep as possible. Substrate should be anywhere from a sand to a fine-to-large size gravel. Abundant vegetation, either artificial or real, is recommended.

Recommended size for a single 6" male adult would be a 55 gallon aquarium as a minimum (65 gallon or larger preferred) for males, and a  75 gallon aquarium as a minimum (90 gallons or larger preferred) for females. This will provide adequate swimming area, as well as assisting the filtration in maintaining good water quality. For additional space, I would recommend adding 30 gallons of tank space per additional turtle at a minimum.

Stock Tanks and Rubbermaid containers also work well. The same space recommendations remain the same.

In captivity, they do well on Mazuri and ReptoMin, Reptile/Pond 10, Cichlid Sticks, snails, crickets and assorted worms and insects. Crayfish have been known to cause fungus infections to captive DBT’s

Ornate Diamondback Terrapins are a great turtle for a community habitat with Sliders, Cooters, other Map Turtles and Painted Turtles, unless brackish water conditions area chosen.

DBT’s do well in both fresh water and brackish water.  DBT’s are known for fighting between each other, especially hatchlings.