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Common Name: Common Snapping Turtle
Size: They can reach about 12-18 inches in size. Males are typically much larger than females. Males can reach up to 40-50 lbs as well.
pH: They are fairly tolerant of a wide range of pH’s. Neutral pH of 7.0 is fine for them.
Minimum Recommended Tank Size: I wouldn’t recommend an aquarium for a common snapper when it reaches adult size. These are very powerful turtles that can crack even large aquariums. A stock tank or outdoor pond works great for this type of turtle. I would recommend a 150 gallon or larger stock tank for this purpose. Common Snappers typically don’t bask too much, but a basking area should be provided in case they do decide to bask. Most common snappers I have found have been in shallow water areas. A tank depth deep enough so the snapper can easily reach up for air would work great for turtle.
Native Location: Native to the eastern US and Canada. They have been introduced in parts of the western US.
Temperature: They should have a basking spot temperature of around 90F. The ambient air temperature should be around 80F. The water temperature for this species can vary from 78F to 82F.
Diet: These are typically very carnivorous. A diet of worms, fish, commercial pellets, and various other “meaty” foods can be offered. I have witnessed a wild common snapper eating vegetation though before, so this can be offered as well.
Breeding: Fairly simple. Some cycling may be necessary, but males are typically very persistent in their attempts. A sufficient land area needs to be provided for egg laying. Eggs typically take 70-90 days to hatch at 82F.
Gender Differences: The males are typically larger than the females and have a really big tail. Females rarely exceed 12-14 inches in length and the tail is rather small compared to that of a male.
Aggression: They can be pretty aggressive, it mostly depends on the individual turtle. If multiple snappers are kept together, tail nips can be a common occurrence. I would recommend that snappers be kept alone.
Notes: The need for UVB for snappers is highly debatable since they rarely bask and are nocturnal. It is thought that they receive ample amounts of D3 through their diet. UVB should be provided to be on the safe side.
