Musk Turtles: Caring for the Little Turtles with Big Attitude

Musk Turtles, known for their small size yet spirited personality, are fascinating freshwater turtles to keep as pets. These turtles rarely grow larger than a tennis ball but possess an attitude likened to a Jack Russell Terrier’s feisty nature. They belong to the Sternotherus genus, a group commonly referred to as North American Musk Turtles, comprising four species native to North America, including parts of Canada.

• Sternotherus odoratus - Common Musk Turtle or stinkpot
• Sternotherus carinatus - Razorback Musk Turtle
• Sternotherus depressus - Flattened Musk Turtle
• Sternotherus minor - Loggerhead Musk Turtle

The Common Musk Turtles are the most widely available in pet shops, while the Razorback, Flattened, and Loggerhead species may be found through private breeders in the UK and Europe. Their bold and sometimes defensive nature requires attentive care and proper housing to thrive in captivity.

Setting up the Ideal Tank for Musk Turtles

Musk Turtles are not agile swimmers; thus, a long, shallow tank is preferable to a tall one, as it allows easier access to the surface for breathing. A tank between 90cm to 120cm in length provides ample space. Providing a rich environment with plentiful plants, whether live or artificial, offers climbing areas and resting spots at the water’s surface.

Invest in a quality external filter, as Musk Turtles can be surprisingly messy for their size. Good tank aeration is critical, so do not cover the tank with a lid that restricts airflow, which could result in respiratory infections.

Though some claim Musk Turtles do not bask, observations and breeder reports confirm they do bask, especially when young. Therefore, provide a basking spot as well as a nesting area for mature females.

Since Musk Turtles naturally feed on snails, they may ingest gravel, risking bowel obstruction. Use sand or large rocks in the tank substrate to prevent this. Rocks also mimic their natural habitat, boosting their confidence. Plant selection should consider that some Musk Turtles may nibble on them.

Temperature-wise, Musks are temperate species preferring water temperatures around 24°C during summer. In winter, they endure colder conditions, which means room temperature suffices indoors. However, an inline or protected heater helps maintain stable water temperatures consistent with their natural habitat.

Compatible Tankmates for Musk Turtles

Musk Turtles are often solitary in captivity due to their territorial and sometimes aggressive behaviour, especially among males. Although they naturally occur at high densities in the wild, cohabitation requires careful monitoring with escape options for fighters.

Males can display sexual aggression, including towards other turtle species, so caution is advised when mixing species or sexes. As temperate water dwellers, any fish kept with Musk Turtles must tolerate similar water temperatures. Fast-moving fish such as Danios or White Cloud Mountain Minnows are recommended since Musks rarely prey heavily on fish.

Aquarists should avoid tropical fish requiring higher temperatures, as this creates challenges maintaining suitable conditions for both turtle and fish. Goldfish can be kept if the tank size and filtration are adequate, but both species produce significant waste.

Lighting and Heating Requirements

Musk Turtles require a basking spot approximately 10°C warmer than the water temperature and high-quality UVB lighting to support shell and bone health. Proper lighting encourages natural behaviours such as basking and feeding.

Feeding Your Musk Turtle

Primarily carnivorous, Musk Turtles thrive on high-quality pellet foods designed for aquatic turtles, supplemented with safe live prey like snails and earthworms. Occasional treats such as prawns can provide dietary variety.

Offering floating plants like duckweed or leafy greens such as dandelion and red lettuce can provide supplemental vegetable matter. However, uneaten vegetables should be promptly removed to maintain water quality.

Calcium is vital for shell health; providing a cuttlefish bone in the tank or ensuring the turtle consumes snail shells supplies this mineral adequately.

Juvenile Musk Turtles should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every 2-3 days. A practical feeding guideline is to provide food volume roughly equal to the size of the turtle’s head.

The Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)

Also called stinkpots because of their ability to emit a musky odour when threatened, Common Musk Turtles are smaller than other available species with water depths between 30 to 60 cm suitable in captivity. Wild specimens inhabit a wide range of depths, sometimes down to 9 metres. Thankfully, musking is rarely observed in captive animals.

The Razorback Musk Turtle (Sternotherus carinatus)

These turtles have a distinctive keel along their shell and grow slightly larger than Common Musk Turtles, requiring larger enclosures. Known for their shy temperament, they benefit from plenty of hiding spots and prefer central basking islands, which can be created with floating bog wood or similar. Care must be taken to prevent entrapment under decorations.

Musk Turtles make remarkable pets with endearing personalities. With the right setup and care, they can live up to 40 years. Over time, they may recognise their owner and accept food from the hand, revealing their sociable side beneath their tough exterior.