June 27, 2025, 7:35 am | Read time: 7 minutes

She is small, quirky, and stubborn—and she emits a foul odor when threatened: The common musk turtle is one of North America’s most fascinating aquatic turtles. Within her compact body lies an astonishing master of adaptation, making her suitable even for aquarium beginners—provided one is aware of her specific care requirements.

However, caution is advised: This species must be kept alone, as males are particularly territorial. Not only is its stocky build characteristic, but also its keen sense of smell and–when threatened–the ability to release a foul-smelling secretion. Those willing to familiarize themselves with its peculiarities will be rewarded with a fascinating, long-lived companion.

Important: Sternotherus odoratus is subject to international species protection (CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B). Therefore, proof of origin is mandatory for keeping them, and the animals must be registered with the relevant species protection authority (such as the veterinary or nature conservation office). A special certificate of competence is not required, but it may be demanded regionally. It is best to thoroughly inform yourself about exotic regulations and requirements in your area before acquiring one.

Origin

Sternotherus is a genus of North American aquatic turtles belonging to the family of mud turtles (Kinosternidae). Their natural range is in the eastern third of North America–from Canada along the entire East Coast of the U.S. to Texas and Florida. The animals prefer shallow, vegetation-rich freshwater habitats with soft bottoms.

Within the genus, there are several species that occupy different regions and ecological niches. The most common and widespread species is Sternotherus odoratus, the common musk turtle, whose range extends from southern Canada to Texas. The other musk turtle species are:

• Sternotherus carinatus – Razorback Musk Turtle
  → Characterized by a strongly keeled shell (“roof shape”), found in the southern U.S.
• Sternotherus minor – Loggerhead Musk Turtle
  → Smaller species, predominantly found in the southeastern U.S.
• Sternotherus minor peltifer – Stripe-necked Musk Turtle
  → Formerly considered a subspecies of S. minor, notable for its distinctive neck markings.
• Sternotherus depressus – Flattened Musk Turtle
  → With a particularly flattened shell, found exclusively in the Black Warrior River Basin in Alabama.
• Sternotherus intermedius – Intermediate Musk Turtle
  → Described in 2018, native to only a few river systems in Alabama and Florida.

Although all species share some traits, they differ in details such as shell shape, distribution, and behavior. For the pet trade, however, almost exclusively Sternotherus odoratus is of interest. Its small size, calm temperament, and longevity make it appealing to both beginners and experienced pet owners alike.

In its natural range, it inhabits a wide variety of freshwater habitats, from shallow, vegetation-rich waters with soft bottoms to slow-moving streams, swamps, and canals. As a bottom dweller, it prefers shallow water zones with soft substrates and dense underwater vegetation. Its adaptability and ecological flexibility have allowed it to thrive in almost any suitable habitat within its range.

Appearance

The common musk turtle has an average shell length of 10 centimeters. The carapace is highly domed, oval, and usually dark brown, gray, or black–a coloration that provides good camouflage in its natural habitats.

Juveniles have small spots that fade as they mature. Particularly striking are the two yellow stripes on the sides of the head, which also fade in older animals. Males differ from females by having a longer, thicker tail and enlarged scutes on the hind legs. Overall, Sternotherus odoratus appears to have a stocky build, which explains its slow movement in the water.

Behavior

The musk turtle exhibits a rather calm and reclusive behavior. It usually moves slowly along the bottom, using roots, stones, and plants for cover. Aggressive behavior occurs mainly among males due to territorial disputes.

Many specimens are shy around humans, but when threatened, they may bite or release a musky secretion. However, in a calm environment, Sternotherus odoratus often appears curious and attentive, exploring its surroundings through smell and climbing. It can be active both day and night, but is especially active at dusk. Musk turtles benefit greatly from a varied environment. Climbing-friendly elements such as branches and stones are particularly important, as they allow the turtle to reach the water’s surface. Feeding can be a mental challenge by occasionally offering varied food items such as snails. Direct contact or “handling” by humans should be avoided–these animals prefer to observe rather than be observed.

Proper Care & Maintenance

For housing a musk turtle, an aquarium with a minimum base area of 100 x 50 x 50 cm is ideal. The water level should be about 30 cm and well-structured. Young turtles should start in a smaller tank with an approximate volume of 25 liters and a size of 40 x 25 x 25 centimeters, which should be replaced as they grow. This starter tank should also have a lower water level that “grows” with them.

Musk turtles prefer many hiding spots, sandy substrates, and a basking area with sandy substrate for females to lay eggs–even without a male, as they can lay unfertilized eggs. To ensure the health of musk turtles, the aquarium needs a powerful filter, as they eat a lot and can heavily pollute the water. The water temperature should be between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although musk turtles are cold-blooded reptiles, a basking area on land is essential for regulating their body temperature and metabolism. The temperature should locally reach 104–113°F and be combined with a UVB lamp.

A three-month winter rest is necessary for turtles from northern regions. Turtles from the southeastern U.S. require slightly warmer conditions, around 50 to 59°F. It is important to consult with the seller beforehand. Regular water changes, as well as monitoring the equipment and water quality, are part of routine care.

Diet

Sternotherus odoratus is an opportunistic omnivore with a focus on animal-based food. In the wild, its diet mainly consists of insects, small crustaceans, fish, amphibians, and occasionally carrion. Algae and water plant seeds supplement its diet.

In the home, a diet of mosquito larvae, water fleas, mussels, snails, fish pieces, and high-quality pellet food is suitable. Cuttlefish bones provide calcium. Adult turtles should be fed about three to four times a week. Supplementing their diet with homemade “turtle pudding” containing vitamins and minerals can be beneficial.

Susceptibility to Certain Diseases

Musk turtles are generally considered hardy, but they are prone to bacterial infections if water hygiene is poor, shell rot from unsuitable substrates, or egg binding in females without a nesting site. Common causes of illness include incorrect temperature, insufficient basking time, and improper water levels. It is crucial to ensure the temperature is correct, the turtle can warm itself on land, and the water level and land area “grow” with the turtle.

Bacteria such as salmonella are part of the natural gut flora of musk turtles but can cause problems for immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, those who rely on immunosuppressants should exercise caution. Regular health checks and annual fecal examinations for parasites before winter dormancy are essential.

Appearance

The common musk turtle is one of the smaller species of aquatic turtles, with an average shell length of 4 inches. The carapace is highly domed, oval, and usually dark brown, gray, or black–a coloration that provides good camouflage in its natural habitats.

Juveniles have small spots that fade as they mature. Particularly striking are the two yellow stripes on the sides of the head, which may also fade in older animals. The plastron is significantly reduced and has only 10 to 11 shields instead of the usual 12–an anatomical feature that increases mobility but reduces protection. A hinge for complete shell closure, as seen in box turtles, is absent.

Males differ from females by having a longer, thicker tail and enlarged scutes on the hind legs. Overall, Sternotherus odoratus appears less streamlined, which explains its rather leisurely movement in the water.

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Overview of the Common Musk Turtle

• Behavior: Calm, active at dusk
• Size: Average shell length of 4 inches, males slightly smaller
• Weight: Average 22 pounds
• Shell Color: Dark brown to black, two yellow head stripes
• Defense Mechanism: Musky secretion when threatened, requires winter hibernation, solitary housing necessary