Flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus)
Turtles & tortoises · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus) (origin: Alabama – the Black Warrior river system). Adult size around 8–12 cm. Life expectancy 30–40 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Flattened musk turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×40 cm aquarium.
Flattened musk turtle: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–27 °C, basking spot 32 °C (basking spot), at night 18–22 °C.
Flattened musk turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).
Flattened musk turtle: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 30–40 years.
Flattened musk turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–27 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 32 °C (basking spot)
- Humidity
- Aquatic, shallow
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×40 cm aquarium
- Substrate
- Water 15–25 cm deep, sand, flat stones, a current
Feeding
- Food
- Snails, mussels, insects, fish
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 8–12 cm
- Life expectancy
- 30–40 years
- Origin
- Alabama – the Black Warrior river system
- Protection status
- CITES II; protected in the USA (Threatened) – only European captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 8–12 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keeping it singly is safest. A pair only works if a second tank is ready to remove the male during constant courtship - two males harass each other and the females further. With more space, one male can be kept with several females, spreading out the courtship.
Notes
An extremely small natural range, and badly threatened in the wild. Flat-bodied; it lives among stones in flowing water – not a deep tank. It prefers to eat snails.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Loggerhead musk turtle (Sternotherus minor) – Intermediate
- Razorback musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) – Beginner
- Common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) – 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
What you need to start
To keep Flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×40 cm aquarium), substrate (Water 15–25 cm deep, sand, flat stones, a current), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flattened_musk_turtle, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sternotherus_minor
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).