Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wondering if anyone knows what the minimum shell length and/or weight for a female common snapper needs to be? Obviously they grow like weeds, so what about age?

I own the Biology of the snapping turtle book and its in there yet I'm moving and its not available to me right now. Yet I think its only like 7.5'' these guys are actually built to wait till later in life when they are large enough to sustain larger clutches of eggs and be more successfull breeders over a long period of time unlike other species which can breed sooner and have smaller clutches at first. I'd suspected a female that's 8-9'' would be within recommended size. Yet given the extreme growth which can be seen in snappers I don't think I expect a 2 year old 8 incher to be sexually mature yet I could be totally wrong. I'd say 3-5 years should be a good age.

Xavier

Thank you. That all sounds about right. I just wanted another opinion. I guess I'll have to grab that book. Any idea where its available?

Rob

You can find it on amazon.com yet I wouldn't buy it again myself. Its meant for biologist type and for normal folks like me very hard to follow. I enjoy it yet cost is more than I think it worth.

Xavier

Thanks for the heads up. I bought Douglas Maders "Reptile medicine and surgery" and its the same way. Much appreciated!!

Rob