I've always been interested in both fish and reptiles and wad wondering if it is possible to keep small map turtle or stinkpots with dace or sunfish. Thanks.
Fish and Turtles?
Started by
Guest_MasterJW_*
, May 16 2013 04:42 PM
10 replies to this topic
#3
Guest_Subrosa_*
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Posted 17 May 2013 - 07:18 AM
The only native turtles that I would consider with fish would be a Spotted or a Bog Turtle. Neither are by nature nearly as piscivorous as those you mentioned. Fast movers and larger more aggressive fish simply aren't worth their time if they're well fed. Bogs are federally endangered, possession and interstate transport are illegal. Spotteds are readily available online and at larger reptile shows. You also need to check your state regs carefully. Generally speaking if one lives in a state in which the species is native it's illegal to own. Sadly that's the case with both species here in PA. I doubt you have (or had) Bogs in TN, but Spotteds are a possibility.
Edited by Subrosa, 17 May 2013 - 07:24 AM.
#4
littlen
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Posted 17 May 2013 - 10:22 AM
So long as you have adequate room for fish to flee/escape, and sufficient filtration on your tank (since turtles are very messy) you can successfully keep them together. If for example, you had a minimum of 75 gallons, yes, I would recommend a small (meaning male only) Map, Mud, Musk, or Painted turtle....with a couple sunfish. I've done it, and seen it done before. Turtles generally don't hunt healthy fish. There is just no way they can catch them. Unless they are in an enclosed system that gives the turtle the advantage. Well fed turtles also don't hunt healthy fish. Most first time fish or herp keepers try it and it doesn't work out well for the fish. Shiners, a hungry and determined turtle + a 20 Long doesn't cut it. I recommend keeping one or the other if you do not have a large enough tank. It's just not worth losing the fish. Subrosa has good points about the legality of some turtle species. Please check into state laws. Let us know what type of LSS and other equipment you'll be working with and we can give you some more pointers.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Nick L.
#5
Guest_keepnatives_*
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Posted 17 May 2013 - 12:46 PM
I agree you can keep turtles with fish but don't keep fish you'd be really upset losing because you never know. I had a small stinkpot with some natives for almost a year with no aggression but finally a nice male flagfish got too comfortable with the turtle and swam in front of his face, snap...headless Florida flagfish.
#7
Guest_OfARepublic_*
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Posted 13 June 2013 - 02:27 AM
I have two Spiny Softshells that are 5.5'' long that I successfully keep with numerous fish including bottom feeders. As long as you feed the turtles enough they simply wont waste the energy to catch a healthy, fast fish when they could just wait for an easy meal. If they were starving Im sure they would go after them though. Tank size, and plenty of cover and hides is key.
#8
Guest_davidjh2_*
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Posted 13 June 2013 - 12:44 PM
I've had a map turtle for 3 years now and it has never gone after the fish or crayfish in my 75 gallon. He(?) even was friends with a large shiner and they would sit there looking at each other touching noses for long periods of time it was pretty cool to watch. The little monster that is my wife's baby painted turtle is another story. He has eaten crayfish and fish in quantity and is going to be released the second I can convince my wife to let me. I have to restock my 75 gallon since a problem with the aerator killed almost all of the fish in the tank. I'm not going to restock it though until "Kermit" is gone.
Edited by davidjh2, 13 June 2013 - 12:45 PM.
#10
Guest_Subrosa_*
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Posted 14 June 2013 - 08:25 AM
Good sentiment, but bad reasoning. The main reason to not release pets into the wild, even if they're native to the area is about disease transmission.If youve had the turtle in captivity for any length of time do not release it. Rehome it/Donate/Give to a friend. Even though it can hunt and what not it probably still wouldnt survive.
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