Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I currently own Red Eared Sliders. Im now also interested in getting either a False map turtle and Diamondback Terrapin. I have been doing research and cant decide which one to get. Which of the two would anyone recommend?

Without a doubt I would recommend the DBTs. I've owned them for some time now, and mine are like dogs. The moment you enter the room, they are out swimming like crazy begging for food.And food to a DBT seems to mean anything they can catch or get in their mouths. At least thats my experience. Nightcrawlers,frozen shrimp, silversides minnows, rosey reds (tuffies), and yes even reptomin, and other commercial foods.
Just make sure you get fresh water raised DBTs.

They are about equal in hardiness. In spite of what others may tell you, diamondbacks do NOT requre salt water to thrive. I have kept several for many years in fresh water. They have a very fine-scaled skin, however, and seem to be a bit more vulnerable to surface infections and bite injuries from their tankmates, which brings me to the next point: RES's can be very aggressive and chronic foot and tail biters in some cases. Third point: Rather than a False Map (Graptemys pseudogeographica) i would recommend a Mississippi Map (Gratemys kohnii). I have had many of both species over the years under similar conditions and kohnii is definitely hardier (and more colorful) for reason that are unclear. The Ouachita map (Graptemys ouachitnesis or kohnii ouachitnesis) is similar to the Miss. Map and a bit prettier. Diamondbacks are OK, but will cost you considerably more to purchase, although there are suppliers of CB diamondbacks on the kingsnake classified web site for turtles.