Common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)

Short answers

Common musk turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Aqua-terrarium from 100 × 50 cm (around 200 l) for a single animal; water depth 30–40 cm for adults, more is fine if roots and branches reach up to the surface; a shallow land area with a basking spot.

Common musk turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C water, basking spot 35–40 °C (warm spot on the land section), at night approx. 20 °C (small drop).

Common musk turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended (weak to moderate above the basking spot).

Common musk turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 30–50 years, individual animals over 50.

Common musk turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C water

Night temperature

approx. 20 °C (small drop)

Basking spot

35–40 °C (warm spot on the land section)

Humidity

— (aquatic)

UVB

UVB recommended (weak to moderate above the basking spot)

Enclosure

Minimum size

Aqua-terrarium from 100 × 50 cm (around 200 l) for a single animal; water depth 30–40 cm for adults, more is fine if roots and branches reach up to the surface; a shallow land area with a basking spot

Substrate

Fine sand

Feeding

Food

Carnivorous – earthworms, fish or mussel meat, snails, prawns, beef heart; occasionally duckweed

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles (almost) daily

Key facts

Adult size

8–14 cm (average ~10 cm)

Life expectancy

30–50 years, individual animals over 50

Origin

Eastern North America (southern Canada to Florida, west to Texas)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II (Sternotherus spp., since CoP19 in 2022), EU Regulation Annex B; proof of origin required

Brumation

Brumation of about 3 months at ~10 °C (northern animals 4–5 °C, southern animals 10–15 °C)

Cohabitation

Solitary animal. Adult males must be housed singly, and single housing is the safe solution for females too. The reason is aggression, not predation: the animals bite each other's legs, tail and neck. Anyone who does try two animals needs a noticeably larger tank with visual barriers and underwater hiding places, and must be able to separate them at any time.

Notes

A poor swimmer – climbing and exit aids are needed. When threatened it releases musk (hence the name "stinkpot"). Often an impulse purchase because of the low price → many animals handed in.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) currently offered

• Mosschusschildkröte – München · 280 €

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Related species

• Flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus) – Intermediate
• Loggerhead musk turtle (Sternotherus minor) – Intermediate
• Razorback musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) – Beginner
• Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) – Intermediate
• Spotted box turtle (Terrapene nelsoni) – Expert
• Alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) – Expert
• Rough-footed mud turtle (Kinosternon hirtipes) – Intermediate
• Mississippi mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (Aqua-terrarium from 100 × 50 cm (around 200 l) for a single animal; water depth 30–40 cm for adults, more is fine if roots and branches reach up to the surface; a shallow land area with a basking spot), substrate (Fine sand), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.