Terrapin Transformation Tuesday!

A little over 3 years ago SoundWaters received a shipment of terrapin hatchlings! These terrapin were in seized when U.S. customs inspectors in Alaska intercepted an illegal shipment reportedly destined for China back in September of 2014.

Diamondback terrapins are native to the salt marshes and tidal creeks of the sound in a habitat that extends from Cape Cod in Massachusetts to the entire Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions. When hatched, diamondback terrapins are the size of a nickel. The female grows to a foot long, the male half that size. They live for between 25 – 40 years, with a distinctive diamond pattern on the shell; each individual has its own unique markings.

The terrapin have grown considerably in their time here at SoundWaters! We have a newly remodeled Terrapin Sanctuary tank specifically designed with their needs and growth in mind. The terrapin love to climb up their ramp and bask under their UVB lights! The above pictured terrapin is our largest female of the juvenile terrapin. Keep an eye out for more updates as they continue to grow!