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Common Name: Loggerhead Musk Turtle
Size: They can reach about 4-6 inches in size. Males and females can reach the same size, but typically males are smaller
pH: These turtles are best kept at a neutral pH.
Minimum Recommended Tank Size: A good size tank at a minimum for a Loggerhead 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. Loggerhead Musk Turtles prefer deeper water, but cage furnishings need to be provided since they’re not the best swimmers. Loggerhead Musk Turtles are sometimes found 10ft or more down in the clear springs of Florida. 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.
Native Location: Florida.
Temperature: A basking spot of 90F should be provided. The ambient air temperature should be around 80F. The water temperature for this species should be about 78F. The water temperature needs to be similar to the temperature of the springs that they’re found in in Florida.
Diet: These are typically very carnivorous. A diet of worms, fish, commercial pellets, and various other “meaty” foods can be offered.
Breeding: Easy to difficult. I have gotten eggs before from my individuals, but they never hatched. It is believed that they need a diapause (cool down) period in order to hatch properly.
Gender Differences: The males have a really big tail. Females have a tail that is rather small compared to that of a male.
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. Loggerheads get their name from the oversized head they possess.
This post has been edited by Jeff H.: 26 August 2005 - 07:03 AM
