Origin
Native to the southeastern United States, especially around the Mississippi River basin and Gulf Coast wetlands.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Glossy olive-green carapace with faint yellow patterns and a signature red mark near the ears. They swim actively and bask frequently, making them engaging and interactive display reptiles.

Purpose
Primarily kept for educational or display purposes. Their behavior—from basking to foraging—adds unique dynamics to aquaria or turtle-specific enclosures.

Importance
A long-lived pet that’s often an entry point into reptile keeping. Their responsiveness and hardy nature make them appealing for families and institutions, but also demand ethical responsibility.

Included Resources
Requires a filtered aquatic tank (75+ gallons for adults), a basking platform, UVB lighting, and a stable heat source. Diet includes pellets, greens, insects, and occasional protein. Clean water and space to dry off are essential.

Best Use Cases
Ideal for outdoor pond setups (in appropriate climates) or indoor reptile tanks with dedicated aquatic zones. Educational centers often use them for outreach and learning programs.

Conservation Context
Native populations are stable, but they are among the world’s most invasive reptiles due to pet trade releases. They pose serious ecological threats in Europe, Asia, and parts of the Americas.

Ideal Tank Mates (if any)
• Not recommended with fish—sliders often eat or harass them
• Can share space with other sliders or similarly sized basking turtles if enclosure is large enough
• Snails and live plants are typically consumed

Region (A)
• Latitude: 35.1495° N
• Longitude: -90.0490° W
(Memphis, Tennessee – Mississippi River Basin)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 30.6954° N
• Longitude: -88.0399° W
(Mobile, Alabama – Gulf Coast Wetlands)