Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi, i was wondering a few thingts about snappers, first whats the difference between a alligator snapper and a common? and whats the difference between a florida snapper and a alligator snapper? out of those three which snapper stays the smallest and which one stays the largest? also whats a typical steup for a hatchling? and whats a typical setup as they mature into a adult? grant you thid would probally be an indoor steup for the next year or so, untel i can create an outside enclousure? i know they are agressive, but i have read they tame down after a few years, some at least. if people could post pics of thir setups that would be greatly appreciated, also any info or tips that i mught want to know would be greatly appreciated. thnx for all replies

here's a good website that should answer most of your questions.
http://www.chelydra.org/

thnx, good link, but i would still like to here people opions and their experiance as well i see pics of indoor enclosures, thnx

Well, that link that was posted will tel you the differences between the different species. As for husbandry, I have kept commons in the past and currently have one alligator snapper. I think the alligator snapper is a bit more easy since he is far less active, therefore requiring a smaller set up than a common or a Florida. A 20 gallon long aquarium with a good internal filter and plenty of hiding places will be able to hold one for about a year or two until it gets bigger. You either then buy a bigger tank or set up a stock tank or pond outside.

As for temperment, the alligators tend to be less agressive, but they can do a lot of damage if they ever get you. The commons and floridas can get pretty nasty at times and have much more energy, increasing your chances of a bite (and trust me, turtle bites hurt).

Here is a pic of my set up for a small (currently 4"-4.5" ) alligator snapper.

-----

1.1 Womas, 1.0 Australian Water Python, 1.0 Australian Olive Python, 1.0 Cape York Spotted Python,1.0 Albino Green Burmese, 1.1 Loxocemus bicolor (New World "Pythons" ), 1.1 Hog Island Boas,1.0 Peruvian Red-Tail Boa, 0.1 Belem Brazilian Red- Tail Boa, 0.0.1 North American Wood Turtle, 0.0.2 European Pond Turtles, 1.0 Leucistic Alligator Snapper, 0.0.1 FL Red Belly, 0.0.1 Concentric Diamondback Terrapin, 0.0.1 Marine Toad, 0.2 "Flame" Crested Geckos, 1.0 Yellow Ackie