Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I finally got a alligator snapper after contemplating the decision, and the rents sayin ok to another big turtle. I got what was called a "blonde". He's blonde shelled with pinkish skin. anyway, is blonde the right way to describe it or what. I'd like to call it by the right term. Also, any tips from the ally keepers on this guy? I've heard they're a little more sensitve compared to normal allies and my boy, but I'm ready and he/she's eaten alreay for me (although it would not eat in front of me no matter what). Any info is appreciated and i'll post pics later.

Hopefully you posted the wrong picture...
But thats not an alligator snapper

i will post pics in the future, thats my common. lol I hope I can tell the difference between common and ally snappers.

I know what you mean. How big is your alligator snapper?
Is he eating and everything ?

Well, his/her shell is just under 2inches. I have been puttin a little bit of reptomin in there but I'm not completely sure if hes eating because the guppies and rosies peck at the food too. 1 rosy did disappear though. His tank is a 20long with a fluval 2, enough water for him to keep his body on the ground and head above ground. I have a few rocks in it, some duckweed and plants in a corner for hiding, and some guppies and rosies in the tank. The water is 81 degrees Far. and I have an infrared bulb on the top along with a UV bulb. I also have some small gravel for him to dig into. Anything else I can do or change to help him? I just want to make sure I am doing anything wrong. Thanks!!

pic of the little bugger.

Awww... I don't usually say this but that kid is cute. It's a pinkskin, yea?

Sounds like a good set-up.
I found with all my small ones, they seemd to catch the rosies way easier than the guppies. So I stuck with rosies for the most part, wanted to make sure they ate.

Mine still eat the pellets and sticks and things....Just keep an eye on it. If they don't eat it after a little while, net the stuff out of there or you'll be changing water all the time.They can be dirty.

Good luck

thanks for the comments. I put some more rosies in the tank and he's starting to lure the fish more often. I'll just keep an eye on him as he settles down. definately a much different personality compared to the commons which is a cool thing too.

It really sounds like you're doing everything right.
If they are "fishing" with their mouth open , thats a good sign of a healthy alligator snapper.
One of the first things mine do if something is wrong, is quit that behavior.

They also are nocturnal.
They'll do most of their feeding at night.
I have a tank with 4 in it and I can dump in about 5 dozen rosies and almost all will be gone in the morning.
They'll eat a few in front of me if they are pretty hungry.

Wow he is great looking.