How difficult is it to keep Common Musk Turtle?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Common Musk Turtle?

The ideal temperature for Common Musk Turtle is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Common Musk Turtle?

The average lifespan of Common Musk Turtle is 15-30 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Common Musk Turtle get?

Common Musk Turtle typically reaches 8-13cm (carapace) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Common Musk Turtle?

Common Musk Turtle feeds on: Omnivore (pellets, frozen bloodworms, small shrimp). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Common Musk Turtle?

The price of Common Musk Turtle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

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Common Musk Turtle

Beginner

Sternotherus odoratus

A small aquatic turtle that stays around 8-10 cm even as an adult. Hardy and gentle, it thrives in a 60 cm aquarium and is a popular beginner species. It is unrelated to the regulated red-eared slider.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

22〜28℃

Lifespan

15-30 years

Size

8-13cm (carapace)

Humidity

—

Diet

Omnivore (pellets, frozen bloodworms, small shrimp)

About

The common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) is a small aquatic turtle found across rivers and ponds of the eastern and central United States, prized for staying just 8-10 cm (rarely 13 cm) even as an adult. It has a domed dark-brown carapace, two pale stripes running from the snout past each eye, and barbels on the chin and throat. The name musk turtle comes from the pungent secretion it releases when threatened, though it rarely smells under normal care. Gentle and hardy, it can live its whole life in a 60 cm aquarium, making it a top pick for a first aquatic turtle. It is a different species from the regulated red-eared slider and is legal to keep in Japan.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Common Musk Turtle

The Common Musk Turtle lives 15-30 years.

Size of the Common Musk Turtle

The Common Musk Turtle grows to 8-13cm (carapace).

Temperature & humidity for the Common Musk Turtle

The ideal temperature for the Common Musk Turtle is 22〜28℃.

Provide water about 1.5-2x the shell length deep, a basking spot, and 22-28°C; it is a weak swimmer, so avoid water that is too deep.

Basic Info

Origin

Rivers and ponds of the southeastern and central United States

Lifespan

15-30 years

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Sternotherus odoratus (Latreille, 1801)

Authority databases: Reptile Database

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not covered by CITES or designated as an invasive alien species in Japan, making keeping and trade legal. It is a small aquatic beginner turtle, distinct from the Red-eared slider (a conditionally designated invasive alien species with sales and keeping restrictions).

Sources: CITES Checklist (not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.