Malaclemys terrapin

Aquarium / semi-aquatic brackish-water pool, with an emerged basking platform and an access ramp.

The minimum dimensions given are for an adult female; the smaller males make do with more modest tanks, but 'bigger is always better'. A deep water column for swimming, an accessible dry platform, and a secured lid/rim (skilful climbers and escape artists). A brackish outdoor pond in a warm temperate region is ideal.

An aquatic species: humidity is managed by the body of water. The basking area must nonetheless allow the carapace and skin to dry off completely.

A bare bottom is recommended for hygiene and ease of maintenance. Avoid gravel of an ingestible size (risk of impaction). Provide a terrestrial area of fine/loose sand for females to lay their eggs.

Essential. Install a 10-12% UVB tube (T5 HO 10.0 type) above the basking area, replaced every 6 to 12 months. Essential for vitamin D3 synthesis, calcium absorption and shell health.

Brackish water is strongly recommended to reproduce the natural habitat: a salinity of about 5 to 15 ppt (specific gravity ~1.005-1.012) achieved with marine salt, never table salt. Powerful filtration (an oversized external filter, flow rate 2-3x the volume), water dechlorinated beforehand, regular partial water changes and monitoring of salinity with a refractometer. Prolonged keeping in strictly fresh water promotes skin fungal infections and shell problems; failing a permanent brackish tank, provide at least regular salt baths. Sufficient depth for easy swimming.

Salt marshes, estuaries and mangroves of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts of the eastern United States (from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, down to Texas). A species NOT listed under CITES, but of concerning conservation status (near threatened to vulnerable depending on the population) and protected in several US states: it is imperative to favour captive-bred individuals and to rule out any wild-caught animals.

Carnivore / molluscivore — Aquatic snails, crabs, clams, mussels, shrimp, crayfish, whole fish, carrion, supplemented moderately with quality aquatic-turtle pellets.

Regularly offer hard, shelled prey (snails, crayfish) to naturally wear down the beak and prevent its overgrowth. Supplement with calcium (cuttlebone available). Avoid overfeeding (obesity and pyramiding): ration the food, especially in this very food-begging species.

Clutch 4–18 eggs/young. Terrestrial egg-laying in a loose sandy substrate; incubation of about 60 to 85 days around 26-30 °C, with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Set up an accessible, dry nesting area for gravid females.

• Shell rot and skin fungal infections (promoted by prolonged keeping in fresh water or by poor water quality)
• Osteodystrophy / metabolic bone disease (UVB or calcium deficiency)
• Respiratory infections (water or air too cold)
• Overgrowth of the beak (rhamphotheca) in the absence of hard prey
• Hypovitaminosis A (vitamin A deficiency)