Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. I have a RES (about 4 inches) and want to get another turtle, except I would like something other than another RES. Can anyone suggest other turtles that would get along with him? Thanks.

Painted, Spotted, Musk and Mud Turtles. Maybe more I just can't think of them right now.
Michael Fedzen

How about a Map turtle?

Yeah that will work too, I have a Mississippi Map Turtle with my RES.
Michael Fedzen

Hey,

I personally think what turtle gets along with another is up to the turtles, really. Of course, aquatics should go with aquatics, semi-aquatics do better with their kind, and terrestrials to themselves. I've had red-ears that seem perfectly fine living with one painted turtle but not another, or red-ears that live harmoniously with a map turtle but not another red-ear. So to say they get along with each other is dependent on whether they are similar in size, have equal access to food, and offered hiding spots. Close relatives of red-ears such as cooters and other sliders should do well together since they require similar setups.

Johnny

If it is a female RES, it depends upon the individual personality of the turtle. In general, although you wouldn't think so, RES's (and their closely related subspecies)are very aggressive and give me more trouble than most. If it is a male, however, and you introduce any remotely similar Emydid species, they will be courted remorselessly with frequent attempts at neck biting. Some major collectors refuse to have Trachemys species in their collection because of their agression.