Graptemys flavimaculata

Male   3" - 4"            Female   6" - 6 ¾"

In the wild, they feed largely on snails and insects.

Air Temperature:  Low to mid 80's

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

Water Temperature:  Low to mid 70's

Slow moving rivers with both sand and rock bottoms.

Pascagoula River system in Mississippi

Yes

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 adult Graptemys flavimaculata would be a 30 gallon aquarium as a minimum (40 or larger preferred). This will provide adequate swimming area, as well as assisting the filtration in maintaining good water quality. For additional Graptemys flavimaculata, I would recommend adding 20 gallons of tank space for additional males and 50 gallons of tank space per additional female 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.

Graptemys flavimaculata are a great turtle for a community habitat with Sliders, Cooters, other Map Turtles and Painted Turtles.

Currently a protected species.