General Care Discussion :: Can different turtle species mate?

[swlin]

I have a RES(2.5") and a map turtle(2"). I saw them doing the mating dance today. I am not sure what I saw was a mating dance or a sign of aggression. my RES had the claws stretched out but map turtle didn't. Also, it looked like the map turtle is pushing the RES since the RES kept swimming backwards. It looks like the map turtle wanted to eat the RES's head.

What do you think? aren't they too small to mate?can they mate? or do I have to seperate them?

I have a 20 gallon tank. I know it's a little small, but i just bought a couple months ago(they grow really fast). Maybe the tank is too small for them...

[Bumby's Mom]

They are too young to even worry about mating. Mine flutter at each other all the time. As long as they aren't actually fighting its OK.

[TheComputerGremlin]

A larger tank will definitely help ease tensions, but won't completely get rid of it. They need at least a 45 gallon tank right now. Your RES will most likely be more aggressive, so if he's getting bullied now, he could very well hurt the other turtle one day when he's fed up. You may want to consider separating them.

[swlin]

Thanks for all the replies. I am also wondering if different turtle species mate.

[Bascomb]

Yes, If they are of the slider species. b.

[swlin]

I did a quick research. It doesn't seem like map turtle is slide species. Am I right? Correct me if I am wrong.

[SpotsMama]

A map isn't a slider but it is a basking turtle. Some species within the basking turtle group can reproduce but I don't think maps and RES can.