Diamondback Terrapin

Malaclemys terrapin terrapin        

  a.k.a. Northern Diamondback Terrapin

Lives in Brackish water (a mixture of saltwater & freshwater)

Found in Estuaries, Coastal Rivers, and Mangroves.

Found along the south and east coasts of the United States  (Massachusetts to Texas)

Carnivorous:  Eats Fish, Worms, Invertebrates, Clams, Carrion.  (Anything it can get hold of)

Problems Diamondback Terrapin's face:

Losing habitat rapidly:  Human interference and destruction.

Disturbed nesting sites.

Turtles also used as food, or captured in the wild as pets.

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I am Sam!

I live in the biology department at the University of Evansville.

I am a very active turtle, and greet people when they come to my tank.

I am a little more than a year old.

I was captive hatched in West Ocean City, Maryland.

I live in a 30-40 gallon aquarium, with a dry place to bask, heat lamp, and UVB lamp.

I eat reptomin pellets, and fish (when I can catch them)

Sam's growth and carapace length (length of top of shell down middle)

*Sam became ill in late September, which is why he began losing weight.

He was given antibiotics, and recovered nicely, getting back on track gaining weight.

Links to Turtle Care and Informative Websites:

Diamondback Terrapin Fact Sheet

Terrapin Genus

Diamondback Terrapin Care

Page by Ashley Arnold and Erica King