Malaclemys terrapin maximus

Malaclemys terrapin maximus commonly referred to as the North Atlantic Diamondback terrapin was first determined as a subspecies in the late 1980s by Dr. Jonathan Tucker. The North Atlantic diamondback terrapin can inhabit both fresh and brackish water conditions, which is specific to diamondback terrapin. Not many of these terrapins are seen in captivity because of their somewhat aggressive behavior towards other turtles. Fully grown, this turtle can reach a length of convert|9|in|cm, which is slightly larger than the other subspecies.Marianne Cowley (2000). " [http://www.nsis.org/wildlife/rept/turt-dbterr.html Diamondback Terrapins] ".]

Life cycle

As hatchlings, they are less than convert|1|in|cm long, and need to fend for themselves in order to survive. Less than 15% of hatchlings survive to adulthood. This is due to larger predators such as birds, and larger turtles. When males reach roughly convert|5|in|cm, they are able to mate, while females need to be more than convert|7|in|cm. These turtles live roughly 15-20 years in the wild, and 20-30 years in captivity.

Diet

The North Atlantic Diamondback Terrapin lives on a diet of mollusks, fiddler crabs, and occasionally small fish. This diet is almost universal between the subspecies. The captive diet for these turtles is different, as they can easily be fed commercial pellets. [http://www.aqua.org/animals_diamondbackterrapin.html Diamondback Terrapins] . National Aquarium in Baltimore.]

Captivity

Unlike other diamondback terrapins, this subspecies has a difficult time adapting to captive life. Although recent breeding projects have been successful, these turtles are rare in captive collections. Also, wild caught specimens are commonly hybrids between North Atlantic and Northern Diamonback Terrapins. In addition, these turtles need to be kept alone, as they will eventually kill any other turtles that share the tank.

References