It is common to use the term “turtle”, which refers to any creature with four legs and a shell, to describe a turtle. You may not know that there are many different types of turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. It is easy to mistake a common turtle for a terrapin without really thinking about it.
What is the difference? Are terrapins the only subspecies of turtles? Are turtles really what they seem to be? Let’s see what each word means in the reptile world.
Visual Differences
A Glance
Terrapin
- Average length (adult): 4-5.5 inches
- Average weight (adult): 2 pounds
- Life expectancy: 30 years
- Yes, it is family-friendly
- Yes, there are other pet-friendly options
- Personality and social interaction
Turtle
- Average length (adult): 5-9 inches
- Average weight (adult): 4-6 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10 to 100 years
- Family-friendly
- Other pets-friendly places
- Shyness is a personality trait
Terrapin Overview
The Diamondback Terrapin turtle is native to the United States and Bermuda. Terrapin is an Indian word meaning “little turtle”. They love the warmth of marshes, estuaries, and tidal streams to call home, which is found all along northern coastlines.
They are a type of aquatic turtle and must have saltwater access to avoid dehydration. However, they don’t usually live in saltwater constantly. They prefer to live in brackish water as it has more salt than freshwater.
Their fascinating skin is characterized by its swirling colors and interesting patterns on the shell. Terrapins are an extremely popular pet and you might find them in your home aquarium quite often.
Different types of Terrapins
There are seven types of diamondback Terrapin. All require the same care, but their features and colors can vary slightly.
Personality and Character
You’ll soon discover that terrapins are very social and have their own personalities if you spend the time to get to know them. Although they are generally happy to be handled, they will let you know if they require their own space.
Terrapins don’t tend to be aggressive but they can nip when they feel threatened or too bothered. It is best to allow your terrapin to be who they are.
Terrapins are social creatures and benefit from having cage mates. You should always have at least one Terrapin if you have enough space in your aquarium. While it is possible to raise a single fish, they can be lonely so it is better to have a friend.
Avoid crowding the terrapins too tightly. This can lead to aggression or irritation. You may get them to snap at each other, which could lead to infection. You should ensure that your enclosure can accommodate the number of Terrapins you have.
Environmental Space
Terrapins should have access to dry and brackish water. The tank should be at least three times the size of the shell. This will allow them to submerge as necessary. A flat surface is necessary for them to lay down and toast their shells during basking.
Your terrapin’s water may become very dirty quickly due to food waste and other contaminants. To keep your terrapin’s water clean and healthy, you should have a filtration system. You can have all kinds of problems with your overall health if you give your water a bad taste.
Coral is a great substrate for Terrapins. Coral is also rich in calcium. Your terrapins will enjoy a healthy dose of calcium when they eat the coral.
Proper lighting is crucial for terrapins to be able to convert vitamin D. You should ensure that your terrapin has a UVB lamp on for at least 12 hours each day. Your terrapin may not grow properly if it doesn’t have the right lighting.
Food & Diet
Proper nutrition is essential to keep your Terrapin’s health at its best. Although your terrapin may enjoy a few plant-based treats, they will eat mostly meat. You could feed them a decent-sized meal once a day.
These are some great foods for Terrapins:
- Dried shrimp
- Turtle pellets
- Seafood
- Smelt
- Snails
They can’t eat common meats that aren’t available in their natural environment.
Health Concerns
Diamondback terrapins are generally healthy reptiles. Shell rot is a major concern for this species. Shell rot or ulcerative disease is when the shell begins to flake, film on, or leak due to infection.
Although this condition is less common in Terrapins who have been born to captivity, it is still possible.
For:
Terrapins can be kept as pets if you have the right set-up with enough space and water. Always ensure you have enough space to hold the tank you need. Terrapins are great pets but must be treated with respect.
Turtle Overview
Turtles are reptiles with hard shells and soft bodies. These are a grouping of many subcategories of turtles and do not include individual species. There are many types of turtles, in many colors, shapes, and sizes.
Turtles are aquatic reptiles with web-footed feet that can live in both saltwater and freshwater. There are species at both ends of this spectrum. Many people mistakenly believe that turtle-like shelled reptiles that live on land are turtles. In reality, they are tortoises.
The cute turtle has a concave shell and droopy eyes. The average turtle lives for an extraordinary length of time. While most turtles in captivity live between 10 and 80 years, others can live up to 100 years.
Pets are happier when they have friends.
Different types of turtles
All species are covered by the title “turtle”, regardless of whether or not they’re turtles. People often confuse turtle, tortoise, and terrapin. There are more than 356 types of turtles. They are mostly saltwater creatures that live mostly in water.
Personality and Character
You will notice the unique character of turtles if you spend time with them. They are calm and gentle creatures. As their reputation suggests, they are shy and slow. They are not fond of chaos and will avoid it whenever possible.
Pet turtles may seek shelter in their shells if they are exposed to loud noises, bright lights, or other disturbances. They don’t seem to be aggressive and are usually quite quiet.
Given their size, turtles have small brains. Their brains are simpler, which is why they have more primal instincts than tons of intelligence.
Although they may sometimes fight over food or mating with other turtles, it is not common.
Environmental Space
A turtle’s water needs are usually at least 50 gallons. To keep their environment clean, you will need a filter system. Because they will spend the majority of their time in this area, they need to have enough space and sufficient room to move around.
You will need to provide space for them to bask. You will need a UVB lamp to ensure your turtle has adequate lighting for optimal health. For both aesthetic and dietary purposes, you can add aquatic plants to the tank.
Even larger fish can be added to your turtle’s aquarium. But, it is important not to add any smaller fish. If the fish are too small, your turtle will eat them.
The aquarium’s bottom can be lined with gravel. You can clean it or change it out as necessary. You need to give turtles enough space to swim. You can prepare by giving your turtles lots of space.
Food & Diet
You can feed your turtle both meat and plants. Although you can purchase commercial turtle food, it is important to include other foods in your turtle’s diet. One possibility is that your turtle has a preference for certain foods.
These are some of the top turtle favorites:
- Leafy greens
- Chopped apples
- Shrimp
They should eat a lot of plant-based foods, even though they do eat meat.
Health Concerns
You can have a healthy turtle if you take good care of it. However, it is possible for your turtle to get sick or develop other diseases.
Most often, captive-bred domesticated turtles may experience vitamin A deficiencies, respiratory infections, or shell rot.
For:
Because turtles are low-maintenance pets, they can make great pets for many households. You have many options to choose from, so you can be very specific about which turtle you want. Your turtle will live a long and happy life if you keep it clean and maintain the aquarium in the right size.
Terrapin vs Turtle: Quick Comparison
Terrapin
- Brackish and saltwater
- Can live in multiple
- 30-year lifespan
- Life on land and water is equal
- Meat is the mainstay of your diet
- The tank must be at least 40 gallons
Turtle
- Freshwater and saltwater
- Can you live alone?
- Life expectancy: 10 to 100 years
- Water is the lifeblood of most people.
- Plants are the main food
- The tank must be at least 50 gallons
Which breed is right for you?
The turtle and the terrapin can both be very rewarding reptiles to have. It comes down to personal preference. They are very similar in terms of personality, size, and environment.
Whatever you decide, make sure to get the right size aquarium for your shelled friend. Remember that it is better to buy more than one Terrapin. If you are looking for a single friend, a turtle might be the best choice.
Is a terrapin a type of turtle?
Terrapin, (Malaclemys terrapin), is a word that used to apply to any aquatic turtle but is now mostly, but not entirely, confined to the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) of the turtle family Emydidae.
Do terrapins adore their keepers?
Yes, it is possible! Tortoises and turtles express affection in ways that humans and dogs do not. However, both turtles and tortoises may express affection or at least a fondness for their human companions.
Is it necessary to keep terrapins in water?
Water: Terrapins require regular access to clean water, thus a robust filtration system is required. We recommend utilizing water testing kits to confirm that the water has minimal levels of ammonia and nitrite.
Terrapins do they sleep at night?
Many turtles, tortoises, and terrapins appear to sleep throughout the day. They choose an isolated location with a consistent, appropriate temperature; these reptiles then stop moving and assume a certain posture, generally withdrawing into their shell for safety during “downtime.”
How can you tell whether your terrapin is content?
Turtles are natural foragers, and digging is a regular pastime. If you notice your turtle digging at the gravel at the bottom of their tank, this indicates that they are content. They should also investigate their surroundings on a regular basis, which might include swimming around decorations and plants.
Can you maintain a pet terrapin?
Terrapin ownership is lawful, and they are pretty easy to care for. These reptiles do enjoy the company of other terrapins, so if you have a large enough cage, it’s ideal to have more than one.
Is hot water required for terrapins?
Terrapins require specialized care in captivity. For example, they will require warm hot water swim-in, followed by a dry place where they can drag themselves out. They will require a basking lamp to lie beneath in order to properly dry themselves and elevate their body temperature.
Do terrapins require a large tank?
Even if your terrapin is little today, he can grow to be as tall as 9 inches. Terrapins require big tanks, that satisfy specific specifications. Terrapins are not only enormous, but they are also quite active and require a lot of areas to wander. Aim for a 100-gallon aquarium for your terrapin, preferably one with numerous parts.
Do terrapins consume meat?
Most pet terrapins are omnivorous by nature, which means they will eat both plant and animal stuff in captivity.
What makes it a terrapin?
The term “terrapin” is derived from the word “torope.”