5 Common Terrapin Species That Make Great Pets

Terrapins are charming and engaging pets but require much more care than simply placing them in a tank for feeding. If you’re considering a terrapin as a pet for your family, pet care should be a shared responsibility to ensure their environment stays clean, stimulating, and safe. As terrapins grow, their housing and diet needs will change, so understanding their care is essential.

Below is an overview of 5 common terrapin species known for making great family pets, alongside useful information about typical terrapin behaviours and care considerations.

1. The Box Turtle

Box turtles are a popular choice among terrapin enthusiasts due to their small, manageable size—about 6 inches long—and friendly nature. They are omnivores, enjoying a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, and protein. Box turtles love to bask in the morning and late afternoon, so your aquarium setup should include a basking lamp to replicate natural sunlight. Notably, box turtles hibernate during winter, so special care is needed in colder months to support this natural cycle.

2. The Red-Eared Slider

Red-eared sliders are perhaps the most common pet terrapins, identifiable by the distinctive red stripe behind each eye. They grow between 5 to 12 inches, with females generally larger than males. Being semi-aquatic, they require a large freshwater tank with both swimming areas and basking spots under a heat lamp. Their diet shifts from carnivorous in youth to omnivorous as adults, including insects, leafy greens, and small amphibians. Proper water filtration is critical to prevent illnesses in this species.

3. The Painted Turtle

Native to North America, painted turtles are admired for their colourful shells and long lifespan—potentially up to 30 years with good care. They are semi-aquatic, needing access to clean water and a dry basking area. While generally omnivorous, their diet tends more carnivorous, so a protein-rich diet with aquatic insects and small fish is beneficial. Painted turtles require regular water changes and a well-maintained tank to thrive.

4. The Map Turtle

Map turtles are named for the map-like cream markings on their heads and limbs. They are active swimmers that need ample aquatic space with excellent water filtration. Native to Canada and Eastern America, map turtles can be sensitive to poor water quality. Their omnivorous diet includes a mixture of protein and plants. Females grow considerably larger than males, making it crucial to provide a spacious and clean environment.

5. Diamondback Terrapin

The diamondback terrapin is distinctive for the beautiful diamond pattern on its shell and prefers brackish water conditions—where freshwater mixes with saltwater. Males grow up to 5 inches, while females can reach 7.5 inches. Their diet is strongly carnivorous, consisting of small fish, molluscs, shrimp, and crabs. Diamondback terrapins require a very clean and well-maintained enclosure to stay healthy and are considered fun and interactive family pets.

Common Terrapin Behaviour

Terrapins are more complex than they appear. Observing their behaviour can help you understand their mood and detect health issues early. For example, males may repeatedly hit and bite females during breeding season. If you notice this aggression, consider separating them to prevent injury.

In cooler weather, some terrapins burrow underground to hibernate if the environment cues them to do so. However, burrowing during warm weather may indicate illness and should prompt a visit to the vet.

Females often dig with their hind legs when preparing to lay eggs; providing a secure laying box is important to ensure egg safety. Males may also dig, usually searching for food. Occasionally, terrapins ingest pebbles as a sign of mineral deficiency, signalling that dietary adjustments are needed.

Swimming backwards and forwards frequently may indicate your terrapin is trying to escape or, in females, searching for a nesting site. Always check that their tank environment is optimal, with clean water and appropriate space.

Responsible Terrapin Ownership Tips

• Ensure a clean aquatic environment with regular water changes and filtration.
• Provide both swimming areas and basking spots with proper UV lighting.
• Feed a balanced diet specific to each species' nutritional needs.
• Monitor behaviour closely for signs of stress or illness.
• Recognise that terrapins can live for decades and require a long-term commitment.

Terrapins can be delightful, long-lived pets that bring the joys of nature into your home if cared for responsibly and attentively. By involving the whole family in their care and learning about their unique needs, your terrapins will thrive as treasured companions for years to come.