Striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii)

Short answers

Striped mud turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

An aquarium from approx. 100×40 cm / 40 gal; shallow water plus an easily reached exit and basking spot.

Striped mud turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 23–26 °C water (74–78 °F), basking spot 31–33 °C (88–92 °F, basking), at night 20–22 °C.

Striped mud turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (10–12 h a day above the basking spot).

Striped mud turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–30 years, sometimes up to ~50.

Striped mud turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

23–26 °C water (74–78 °F)

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

31–33 °C (88–92 °F, basking)

Humidity

— (aquatic)

UVB

UVB needed (10–12 h a day above the basking spot)

Enclosure

Minimum size

an aquarium from approx. 100×40 cm / 40 gal; shallow water plus an easily reached exit and basking spot

Substrate

Fine sand or a soft floor

Feeding

Food

Carnivorous to omnivorous – invertebrates, snails, earthworms, prawns, fish, pellets

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 10 cm (small, usually under 12 cm)

Life expectancy

20–30 years, sometimes up to ~50

Origin

The south-eastern USA (Florida to Virginia)

Protection status

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

Brumation

They come from warm regions (Florida) – no strict winter rest is needed; a mild rest period is optional for animals of northern origin

Cohabitation

Single housing recommended; no more than 1 animal per tank. The reason is territory: males ram and bite one another, and females are harassed so persistently during prolonged courtship that they visibly lose weight. Worn shell edges and bites on the hind legs are what you end up showing the vet.

Notes

A weak swimmer – shallow water and good climbing and exit options matter. A small-staying species; good filtration and water changes.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Rough-footed mud turtle (Kinosternon hirtipes) – Intermediate
• Mississippi mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis) – Intermediate
• Scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) – Intermediate
• Sonora mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense) – Intermediate
• Tabasco mud turtle (Kinosternon acutum) – Intermediate
• White-lipped mud turtle (Kinosternon leucostomum) – Intermediate
• Yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) – Intermediate
• Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (an aquarium from approx. 100×40 cm / 40 gal; shallow water plus an easily reached exit and basking spot), substrate (Fine sand or a soft floor), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.