{"product_id":"mississippi-map-turtle","title":"Mississippi Map Turtle","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"29\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3\" data-end=\"29\"\u003eMississippi Map Turtle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"31\" data-end=\"155\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"31\" data-end=\"51\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"52\" data-end=\"87\"\u003eGraptemys pseudogeographica kohni\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"87\" data-end=\"90\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"90\" data-end=\"106\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mississippi Map Turtle, Mississippi Map Terrapin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"157\" data-end=\"160\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"162\" data-end=\"186\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"166\" data-end=\"186\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"321\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"196\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Males typically reach 3.5 to 5 inches (9 to 13 cm), while females grow significantly larger at 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"323\" data-end=\"829\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"323\" data-end=\"338\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Mississippi Map Turtle is known for the intricate, map-like pattern on its olive to brown carapace, with lighter yellow or tan lines tracing each scute. The rear marginals are serrated, especially in younger individuals. The head features bold yellow stripes and distinctive crescent-shaped markings behind the eyes. Females develop broader heads for crushing snails and crustaceans, while males retain smaller, narrower heads. The plastron is pale with subtle markings along the seams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"831\" data-end=\"1000\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"831\" data-end=\"848\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Found throughout the Mississippi River drainage, extending through states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi, and Louisiana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1304\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1014\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e In the wild, this species occupies large rivers, oxbow lakes, backwaters, and waterways with moderate current. They prefer areas with abundant basking structures and aquatic vegetation. In captivity, they require a spacious aquatic setup with strong filtration and solid basking platforms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1306\" data-end=\"1550\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1306\" data-end=\"1320\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mississippi Map Turtles are diurnal, excellent swimmers, and frequent baskers. They are generally shy but can become more confident with routine care. They navigate water rapidly and appreciate strong current zones when provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1555\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1557\" data-end=\"1577\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1561\" data-end=\"1577\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1578\" data-end=\"1947\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1578\" data-end=\"1592\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide an aquatic enclosure with a minimum footprint of 48 × 24 inches (120 × 60 cm) for an adult female; males may be kept in smaller setups, with 36 × 18 inches (90 × 45 cm) as a minimum. Offer deep water for swimming, driftwood, rocks, floating platforms, and submerged hides. Strong filtration is essential due to their sensitivity to water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"2114\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"1978\"\u003eTemperature and Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1978\" data-end=\"1981\"\u003eWater temperature: 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2023\" data-end=\"2026\"\u003eBasking area: 90 to 95°F (32 to 35°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2066\"\u003eAmbient air temperature: 78 to 84°F (26 to 29°C)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2116\" data-end=\"2295\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2116\" data-end=\"2129\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide full-spectrum lighting with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2180\"\u003e10–12% UVB\u003c\/strong\u003e to support shell health and proper calcium metabolism. Ensure a secure, stable basking area that dries completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2297\" data-end=\"2551\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2297\" data-end=\"2306\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a varied omnivorous diet including insects, earthworms, snails, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, commercial turtle pellets, leafy greens, and aquatic plants. Females benefit from occasional hard-shelled prey due to their stronger jaws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2553\" data-end=\"2797\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2553\" data-end=\"2580\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mississippi Map Turtles are active swimmers and frequent baskers. They tend to be cautious but gradually become more visible and confident. They thrive in enclosures with current, abundant structure, and clean water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"2799\" data-end=\"2802\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2804\" data-end=\"2834\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2808\" data-end=\"2834\"\u003eSpecial Considerations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2835\" data-end=\"3098\"\u003e• Highly sensitive to poor water quality; filtration must be robust.\u003cbr data-start=\"2903\" data-end=\"2906\"\u003e• Females require more space due to larger adult size.\u003cbr data-start=\"2960\" data-end=\"2963\"\u003e• Provide multiple basking options and areas with mild current.\u003cbr data-start=\"3026\" data-end=\"3029\"\u003e• Offer hard-shelled prey items occasionally, especially for females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3100\" data-end=\"3103\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3105\" data-end=\"3126\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3109\" data-end=\"3126\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3127\" data-end=\"3327\"\u003eThe Mississippi Map Turtle is a subspecies within the \u003cem data-start=\"3181\" data-end=\"3210\"\u003eGraptemys pseudogeographica\u003c\/em\u003e complex. It differs from the False Map Turtle by its characteristic eye crescents and more pronounced head striping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3329\" data-end=\"3332\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3334\" data-end=\"3355\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3338\" data-end=\"3355\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3356\" data-end=\"3578\"\u003eThere are no recognised morphs for the Mississippi Map Turtle. Variations in head markings, shell colour, and pattern clarity occur naturally among individuals and reflect regional diversity rather than selective breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56196221337922,"sku":"eka1789650741866","price":96.36,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/8380\/8066\/files\/mississippi-map-turtle_1.png?v=1789650746","url":"https:\/\/abrasionresistclad.shop\/products\/mississippi-map-turtle","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}