Full Grown Mississippi Map Turtle: Size, Appearance, Price & More

The Mississippi map turtle is a species of turtle native to the Mississippi River basin of North America. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about what these turtles are like once they reach full adulthood.

About the Mississippi Map Turtle

The Mississippi map turtle, scientifically known as Graptemys kohnii, is a semi-aquatic turtle found in the rivers, bayous, and streams of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and possibly Arkansas. It prefers slow-moving water habitats with an abundance of aquatic vegetation and debris like logs or leaf litter.

Map turtles get their name from the pattern of lines and shapes on their shells that resemble maps or drawings. As juveniles, Mississippi map turtles have distinctive yellow markings on their shells and heads that fade to olive as they mature.

Size at Full Growth

On average, a fully grown Mississippi map turtle will reach:

• Length: 4.5-6 inches (11.4-15.2 cm)
• Height: 2.5-4 inches (6.4-10.2 cm)

However, some especially large males may attain sizes slightly larger than these averages. The shell length and width are the most reliable indicators of the turtle having reached adulthood.

Weight at Full Growth

The typical weight of an adult Mississippi map turtle is:

• Females: 250-400 grams
• Males: 200-300 grams

While size and weight can vary slightly between individuals, these figures reflect the general weights to expect from turtles that have fully matured.

Appearance at Full Growth

By the time they are full grown, Mississippi map turtles will have lost most or all of the youthful yellow coloring on their shells and heads.

The carapace takes on an olive tone with obvious patterns of lines and speckles in black, creating a map-like appearance. The plastron is yellowish with some dark mottling.

Another sign of maturity is the development of longer claws on males used for mating. Females have shorter, blunter claws. The skin may also darken slightly in breeding-age turtles.

Personality at Full Growth

Mississippi map turtles tend to be less aquatic as adults, spending more time basking and foraging on land than juveniles. However, they still maintain a preference for swimming and diving. Their personality remains largely solitary in nature.

Adult males can become territorial during breeding season, especially over prime basking spots. Regular interaction and gentle handling is recommended to keep pet Mississippi map turtles from becoming too withdrawn as adults.

Price

A fully grown Mississippi map turtle purchased from a breeder or pet store will typically cost between $50-100, depending on availability and gender. Larger, older specimens may have a higher price tag.

It's important to note that wild-caught adult turtles cannot be legally sold or purchased and should be left undisturbed in their natural habitats.

Food/Feeding

Once fully grown, Mississippi map turtles have larger appetites than juveniles and should be fed every other day. A varied diet suitable for adults includes:

• Commercial aquatic turtle pellets or flakes
• Sinking carnivore pellets or feeder fish
• Dark, leafy greens like romaine or kale
• Calcium-rich vegetables like carrots, broccoli, squash
• Protein sources like feeder insects, shrimp or redworms

Bigger adults may need food items cut into smaller pieces that can be easily grabbed and eaten to avoid mold or rotting from incomplete meals.

Lifespan

In captivity, the typical lifespan of a healthy adult Mississippi map turtle is 20-30 years. Some individuals may even survive into their 40s. Proper care, housing, diet and environmental conditions are key to maximizing their life potential.

Health at Full Growth

Common health issues to watch for in fully grown Mississippi map turtles include:

• Weight loss - Check for signs of parasites, infections or poor appetite.
• Eyes - Cloudy or swollen eyes could signal respiratory infections.
• Skin - Abnormal spots, legions or shell rot need veterinary attention.
• Behavior - Lethargy may indicate underlying illness.

Regular checkups, a varied diet, suitable UVB lighting and clean water are preventative measures against many age-related problems.

Care and Nutritional Needs

To thrive as an adult, Mississippi map turtles need:

• Large aquarium or outdoor pond with ample swim space
• Heated basking area or access to natural sunlight daily
• UVB lighting for 12 hours a day
• Shallow water section and dry dock for soaking & basking
• Plants, driftwood and rocks for climbing/exploring
• Regular feeding as described above
• Fresh water changed 1-2 times weekly
• Supplemental calcium and multivitamin powder

Ensure any tankmates are smaller species that cannot be eaten or out-compete the adult turtle for space and resources.

Costing

The average ongoing costs to properly care for a fully grown Mississippi map turtle are:

• Food: $30-50 per month based on appetite and dietary variety.
• Supplements: $10-15 per month or as directed.
• Electricity for lighting/heating: $10-20 per month depending on equipment used.
• Habitat costs: $200-500 for a tank or pond large enough for an adult.
• Veterinary Care: $50-100 per yearly exam, plus costs of any unexpected medical issues.

Expect a minimum yearly investment of $300-500, not including initial habitat setup costs. Larger, more aquatic turtles may require more substantial housing in the hundreds or low thousands.

Possible Behavioral Changes

Some behavioral differences to expect from Mississippi map turtles as they reach full maturity include:

• Increased time spent basking out of the water to thermoregulate.
• Reduced risk-taking, more observant behavior for self-protection.
• More territorial instincts from male turtles, especially during breeding.
• Less inclined to be held or wander far from water as adults.
• Slower, less active swimming correlated with larger body size.

Gentle, consistent interaction from a young age helps adult map turtles remain less flighty around their owners.

Notable Characteristics

A few unique traits that define the fully grown Mississippi map turtle include:

• Distinctive shell patterns resembling maps, lines, and speckles
• Bright yellow undershell brightening their appearance
• Narrow heads and necks with camouflaging skin pigments
• Long, thin tails and claws adapted for swimming and walking
• Excellent camouflage ability despite larger sizes
• Over 30 years lifespan potential when properly cared for

Their adaptability has allowed Mississippi map turtles to thrive across much of the Mississippi River watershed.

When is it Really Fully Grown?

Most reptile experts consider Mississippi map turtles to have reached sexual maturity and adulthood when males are about 5-6 inches in shell length and females reach 5-5.5 inches. However, their growth may continue at a slower pace even beyond this size.

Definitive signs that a Mississippi map turtle is fully grown include:

• Development of visible secondary sex characteristics in males like thicker tails for mating.
• Females exhibiting broadened abdomen and thicker rear legs for egg-laying.
• Slowing/stopping of noticeable size increases from year to year.
• Completion of shell patterns and markings with no remaining juvenile yellow tones.

While size is a general indicator, it's most accurate to observe physical maturity signs and confirm growth has plateaued over 1-2 years before assuming a turtle is fully developed.

Suitability as a Pet

When given proper care, Mississippi map turtles can make interesting pets. However, there are some important considerations regarding their suitability:

• Require a large, semi-aquatic habitat that mimics natural conditions.
• May be less interactive than other small turtle species once fully grown.
• Regular care commitments for feeding, cleaning, lighting apply for 20+ years.
• Potential for aggression issues between two adult males housed together.
• Illegal to own wild-caught specimens outside of permitted wildlife rehabilitation.

If their needs can be met, Mississippi map turtles offer a long-living turtle companion. First-time pet owners may find them more challenging than smaller, hardier turtle breeds however.

Conclusion

When provided an appropriately sized habitat with all necessary resources, the Mississippi map turtle can thrive as a fully grown adult for decades. Their resilient nature and striking shell markings make them a unique choice for advanced turtle keepers looking for a long-term pet.

With close attention paid to dietary requirements, environmental conditions and preventative healthcare, these turtles can live happy, healthy lives well into their third decade. Proper research before acquiring one as a turtle is key to ensuring a long and successful partnership.