Razorback musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus)
Turtles & tortoises · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Razorback musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) (origin: The southern USA (Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi)). Adult size around 10–16 cm (males up to ~18 cm). Life expectancy 20–30 years, sometimes over 50. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Razorback musk turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?
An aquarium from 80×40 cm, better 100×50 cm; water approx. 30 cm deep for adults.
Razorback musk turtle: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–27 °C water (juveniles 26–28 °C), basking spot 35–40 °C (warm spot on the land section), at night 20–22 °C (small drop).
Razorback musk turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended (weak to moderate above the basking spot).
Razorback musk turtle: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–30 years, sometimes over 50.
Razorback musk turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–27 °C water (juveniles 26–28 °C)
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °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
- an aquarium from 80×40 cm, better 100×50 cm; water approx. 30 cm deep for adults
- Substrate
- Fine sand
Feeding
- Food
- Carnivorous – earthworms, fish or mussel meat, snails, prawns, occasionally beef heart; plant food is barely taken
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week, juveniles (almost) daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 10–16 cm (males up to ~18 cm)
- Life expectancy
- 20–30 years, sometimes over 50
- Origin
- The southern USA (Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi)
- 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 4–7 °C (depending on where they come from)
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Adult males must generally be kept on their own (they are aggressive); keeping females singly is recommended as well.
Notes
A rather poor swimmer – climbing and exit aids up to the surface and shallower zones matter. Good filtration and clear water. Pond keeping is not recommended.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus) – Intermediate
- Loggerhead musk turtle (Sternotherus minor) – Intermediate
- 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 Razorback musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (an aquarium from 80×40 cm, better 100×50 cm; water approx. 30 cm deep for adults), 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dach-Moschusschildkr%C3%B6te, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Razorback_musk_turtle, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sternotherus
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).