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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.
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. 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. 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)
Origin
Rivers and ponds of the southeastern and central United States
Lifespan
15-30 years
Size
8-13cm (carapace)
Temperature
22〜28℃
Humidity
—(水棲)
Omnivore (pellets, frozen bloodworms, small shrimp)
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Sternotherus odoratus (Latreille, 1801)
Authority databases: Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
ワシントン条約・特定外来生物いずれにも非該当で飼育・流通は合法。販売・飼育規制のあるミシシッピアカミミガメ(条件付特定外来生物)とは別種の入門向け小型水棲ガメ。
Sources: CITES Checklist (掲載なし) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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A 60cm tank suffices for life; depth about 1.5-2x shell length
Provide a haul-out/basking spot to dry the shell
22-28°C, stabilized with a heater
Strong filtration; they foul water easily
A weak swimmer; avoid water that is too deep
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Common Musk Turtle is 22〜28℃. Recommended humidity is —(水棲). Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Common Musk Turtle is 15-30 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Common Musk Turtle typically reaches 8-13cm (carapace) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Common Musk Turtle feeds on: Omnivore (pellets, frozen bloodworms, small shrimp). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Common Musk Turtle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 25, 2026