Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I know that this turtle I have had for about 6 months now is a painted turtle. No doubt about it. But it is -for sure- a midland painted? I live in SW Ohio, and was recently told that he looks like an Eastern painted instead. I'm looking to buy him a bigger tank here real soon, but I'm limited on space. So, to the questions...

1) Is he a midland painted? Because I know that Eastern's get a few inches bigger and can need up to a 120g tank if it's a female. But I'm almost 100% positive he's a male but he's still young so I can't really go by the length of his claws, so I'm going by the length of his tail...
2) Is depth more important than length when looking for a tank? I'm limited to about 40 inches long, and when looking for tanks, a 36L x 18W x 24H is anywhere from 65g to 75g depending on the website. Would that be an OK sized tank for a male, Midland painted, after he's reached adult size?

All of the information out there is so confusing on tank size and what-not, and any help from you guys would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

the funky thing about Midlands are they are a mutt off the 3 other subs.. so he could be an eastern looking midlands!! PS.. judging by your pic.. it might be a she.. tails looking kinda thin. I just went thru this with my baby..Connor is a Connie! her tail isnt thickening and her claws are all the same legnth. the tank problem is so confusing, youre right. whats best for the turtle isnt always best for your home or wallet. I have connie in a 10gal for now.. I just cant have anything larger in my dorm! Im trying to see if we cant sneek a 20long in.. once Im home in 2 years she'll get to move into a 55gal and in general (except for westerns) that seems fairly sufficent. (Id LOVE to have the 55 now.. but my dorm masters will defintly see that coming in LOL) if you can, try the 55 gal, fill it about 2/3s and (way not advertising) the turtle dock is great to leave room for swimming and making a basking spot. Ive also seen 40 gal breeders work out very well.
Hope this helps a little!

Looks like an Eastern Painted. Here is a link that will show you how to determine if your painted is male or female. The pictures and explanation are great. http://www.chelonia.org/sexing/sexing_Chrysemys_picta.htm

Considering your painted turtle is from SW Ohio, it is very likely that it is a midland painted turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata). The reason you may not see that dark central blotch on the plastron that is characteristic of midlands, doesn't mean it didn't have a parent that was a midland painted turtle. Do you see what I'm saying? For example, maybe your turtle had a midland mother and an eastern father and the father's genetic traits were more dominant and stronger than the mothers resulting in your painted turtle not exhibiting a dark blotch in the center of its plastron. From the photo you've provided, it looks as though your painted turtle may be a female because the tail is looking thin, although I would rather have a better view of the cloaca and the rest of tail. You should wait a little while until your turtle matures and then make a decision on what sex it is. As for your tank dilemma, I would use the largest tank that I could provide (I always say "the bigger, the better" because this gives the turtle (or any other herp for that matter) more room to stretch and thus the animal is less stressed and in better health. If you live in a dorm, as you've stated, stick with the 10 gallon until you're sure you can have a large tank, but make sure you keep the water scrupulously clean and free of chlorine and other metals. Once you do, don't forget to vividly adorn it with plenty of plants (artificial or live, depending on the amount of work you want to do) to give cover to your turtle and make him/her feel more at home. I am currently raising 4 baby midlands and one of them (his name is Hutch) exhibits the same color/pattern on his plastron as your turtle. I hope this helps and I wish you good luck in raising your cute little painted. She/he is a beauty! Absolutely gorgeous!