Map Turtles fighting?

Question
We have had a pair of map turtles for about 7 months. They were about 5/6 years old when we got them and were told that they were a male and female brother and sister. They have both grown in the time we have had them and the smaller one (we were told this was the female) is now as big as the other. Lately she has taken to trying to swim or lie on top of the other - it almost seems sometimes that she is trying to keep him under the water. She tries to get to his head with her front claws from above him. Sometimes they rest close together in the water or basking outside and seem quite peaceful - in fact sometimes they bask with one lying part on top of the other.

Is this behaviour normal?

Answer
What you are describing could be many things. They are certainly old enough to mate, so they could be courting- the male would be stroking the female's face.

It could also be a sign of aggression or dominance, which is common when turtles are stressed or overcrowded. A rule of thumb to avoid crowding is to allow 10 gallons of water per inch of shell. Thus, 2 5" turtles would need 100 gallons of water, or a 120 gallon tank mostly filled.

Basking behaviors are different than water behaviors. Turtles often share basking sites, so that in itself is a good and normal sign.

You may want to review the cares at a good site like http://www.austinsturtlepage.com