Black Knob Map Turtle (Graptemys nigrinoda nigrinoda)
Delta Map Turtle (Graptemys nigrinoda delticola)
Species Profile Written By Jeff H.
Care Level: 4, These are a species that stay fairly small, however they can be a little pricey. Females tend to get a little large. (1--Beginner, 10--Experts Only)
Species Native Range: Black Knob Map Turtles are native to the southeastern US. They are found in the river systems of Alabama and Mississippi. Delta map turtles have a much smaller range and are found only in Southern Alabama in the Mobile river drainage.
Habitat Info: I found that hatchlings to subadults use total aquatic setups with some nice areas to bask. The habitat can be as simple as a basking spot with water. I like the all natural setups, consisting of driftwood and aquatic plants. I prefer bare bottom tanks, it keeps the tank cleaner by not accumulating organic material on the bottom.
Food Habits: Black Knob and Delta Map Turtles love live foods which include earth worms, crickets, meal worms, super worms, blood worms, live fish, live shrimp, snails, wax worms, and tadpoles. They also will take most commercial pellets. Research the different protein levels to see what food best fits your turtles needs. I like to offer a variety.
Size Range: Female Black Knob and Delta Map Turtles can reach up to 9 inches. Males tend to get up to 4 inches, but usually less.
Recommended Aquarium Size: 1 hatchling, 10g. 2-3 hatchlings, 20g. 1 adult male, 55g. 2-3 adults, 200g+.
Recommended Tank Mates: Black Knob and Delta Map Turtles are a fairly shy species. They do well with other types of basking species, such as maps, sliders, cooters, etc. Be aware that due to their shy nature, other species may pick on them.
Recommended Temperatures: I recommend using a water heater set in the mid to upper 70's. The recommended temps for Black Knob Map Turtles are in the 90's for basking temps and low to mid 80's for air temps.
Reproduction Habits: Not much information is provided on breeding, but it is thought to be similar to other map turtle species. Females typically mature at 7-8 years and males around 3-4 years of age. Size is also important, a mature female should be 6 inches or more.
Similar Species: Other Graptemys species...
Morphs: None.
Other Important Info: These are fairly easy turtles to take care of and are good for beginner, intermediate, or expert keeper. The key to any map turtle species is water quality.
Size measurements and Native Range information from Graptemys.com.
All information is based on personal accounts of the species. This information is intended for interest purposes, and not for exclusive care information. For more information on this species, check out Austin’s Turtle Page.
Delta Map Turtle (Graptemys nigrinoda delticola)
Species Profile Written By Jeff H.
Care Level: 4, These are a species that stay fairly small, however they can be a little pricey. Females tend to get a little large. (1--Beginner, 10--Experts Only)
Species Native Range: Black Knob Map Turtles are native to the southeastern US. They are found in the river systems of Alabama and Mississippi. Delta map turtles have a much smaller range and are found only in Southern Alabama in the Mobile river drainage.
Habitat Info: I found that hatchlings to subadults use total aquatic setups with some nice areas to bask. The habitat can be as simple as a basking spot with water. I like the all natural setups, consisting of driftwood and aquatic plants. I prefer bare bottom tanks, it keeps the tank cleaner by not accumulating organic material on the bottom.
Food Habits: Black Knob and Delta Map Turtles love live foods which include earth worms, crickets, meal worms, super worms, blood worms, live fish, live shrimp, snails, wax worms, and tadpoles. They also will take most commercial pellets. Research the different protein levels to see what food best fits your turtles needs. I like to offer a variety.
Size Range: Female Black Knob and Delta Map Turtles can reach up to 9 inches. Males tend to get up to 4 inches, but usually less.
Recommended Aquarium Size: 1 hatchling, 10g. 2-3 hatchlings, 20g. 1 adult male, 55g. 2-3 adults, 200g+.
Recommended Tank Mates: Black Knob and Delta Map Turtles are a fairly shy species. They do well with other types of basking species, such as maps, sliders, cooters, etc. Be aware that due to their shy nature, other species may pick on them.
Recommended Temperatures: I recommend using a water heater set in the mid to upper 70's. The recommended temps for Black Knob Map Turtles are in the 90's for basking temps and low to mid 80's for air temps.
Reproduction Habits: Not much information is provided on breeding, but it is thought to be similar to other map turtle species. Females typically mature at 7-8 years and males around 3-4 years of age. Size is also important, a mature female should be 6 inches or more.
Similar Species: Other Graptemys species...
Morphs: None.
Other Important Info: These are fairly easy turtles to take care of and are good for beginner, intermediate, or expert keeper. The key to any map turtle species is water quality.
Size measurements and Native Range information from Graptemys.com.
All information is based on personal accounts of the species. This information is intended for interest purposes, and not for exclusive care information. For more information on this species, check out Austin’s Turtle Page.
