About Me

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Hello and Welcome to Diamondback Terrapin Island, my name is Thomas Colleur. 

I have a passion for Diamondback Terrapins that started when I was just 9 years old, back in 1978. My mother and I were at a mall in Miami. While there I went into a pet store and that's when I saw  "Pete" for the first time. Pete was a beautiful, big, white-skinned turtle, a kind I had never seen before.   We paid $40 for this huge gentle giant and took him (found out later it was a she) home.  I had Pete for 2 years before she was swiped by neighborhood kids from our outdoor pond..   I never could find another Diamondback Terrapin in any of the local shops. and I found out many years later, exactly why...They were banned from being sold in pet stores in the state of Florida. 

Luckily years later, I was able to find some on the internet and bought a hatchling from a guy in California.  I was thrilled when I opened that box and saw my new baby terrapin.  That's a feeling I'd like "new" keepers to experience.

I aim to provide healthy, captive bred diamondback terrapins to fellow enthusiasts of the species, along with knowledge and assistance on how to help these beautiful reptiles thrive in your care.

Right now, I work mainly with Northerns (concentric phenotype), Ornates, and Intergrades. The intergrades come in a spotty variety and a very beautiful Marbled type.

Feel free to contact me via the Contact Me page, email, Facebook, or Instagram if you have any questions.

Diamondback Terrapin Island

Thomas Colleur