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Common Name: Common Musk Turtle, Stinkpot
Size: They can reach about 4-5 inches in size. Males and females can reach the same size, but typically males are smaller
pH: These turtles are tolerant of a wide range of pH’s.
Minimum Recommended Tank Size: A good size tank at a minimum for a Common Musk Turtle should be a 29 gallon tank. A 55 gallon can be used for up to 3 individuals. Generally you will want to add 10-20 extra gallons of space per additional individual. This will allow for ample swimming room as well as giving some depth. Common Musk Turtles prefer deeper water, but cage furnishings need to be provided since they’re not the best swimmers. A good setup will consist of a basking spot, pieces of driftwood or plants coming up to the surface from the bottom of the tank, and the tank filled ¾ of the way or more with water. These turtles will bask when given a proper basking spot. Due to their small size, this turtle makes for an excellent beginner species.
Native Location: These turtles have a widespread range over the Eastern US.
Temperature: A basking spot of 90F should be provided. The ambient air temperature should be around 80F. The water temperature for this species can vary from 75F to 82F. .
Diet: These are typically very carnivorous. A diet of worms, fish, commercial pellets, and various other “meaty” foods can be offered.
Breeding: Fairly Easy. In the clutches I have hatched, all have been 100% success. Unlike other turtle eggs, common musk eggs do not take up water during the incubation process, so humidity isn’t as critical. I have had them hatch in 53 days incubated at 82 degrees F. Hatchlings are no bigger than a nickel when they emerge.
Gender Differences: The males have a really big tail. Females have a tail that is rather small compared to that of a male. Some concavity of the plastron is evident in males.
Aggression: They can be pretty aggressive. Most times they won’t get along too well with others of their own species, but seem to get along well with basking species (painteds, maps, etc). I would recommend keeping these separate unless breeding them. Males will fight each other.
Notes: A UVB bulb should be provided for these turtles. They do occasionally bask and will need the UVB in their diet to synthesize D3. Albino Common Musk turtles have been found. I’m not aware of any other morphs.
This post has been edited by Jeff H.: 26 August 2005 - 07:04 AM
