A Complete Guide to Keeping Common Musk Turtles: Appearance, Temperament, and Beginner Recommendations

Get to know a turtle a day. The one we are introducing today is a constant top contender, ranking number one or two on the list of best turtles for beginners. It is the Common Musk Turtle.

Appearance and Characteristics of the Common Musk Turtle

The Common Musk Turtle is a small aquatic turtle belonging to the Sternotherus genus of the Kinosternidae family. It gets its name from the musky-smelling (pungent) liquid it releases when disturbed. Adults are relatively small, with a carapace length typically between 7 and 13 centimeters. The carapace is round or oval, ranging in color from dark brown to black, and may have light yellow or orange radiating patterns on its surface. The carapace of a juvenile is usually rougher and black. Its head is large and lighter in color, with a distinct white stripe on each side extending from the snout to the neck. There are barbels under its jaw, used for sensing and foraging.

Recommended for Beginners

When it comes to turtle recommendations for beginners, the Common Musk Turtle is always a top-two contender. The Yellow-margined Box Turtle often deters beginners due to its high price. The other top contender is the Snapping Turtle, but it is extremely territorial, making it prone to injury whether cohabiting with its own kind or other turtle species. In contrast, the Common Musk Turtle has a docile temperament, allowing for cohabitation with other turtles or with fish, making it an ideal choice for novices.

Advantage: Hardy and Resilient

As a beginner-level ‘egg turtle,’ the Common Musk Turtle’s biggest advantage is that it is hardy and easy to keep alive. It is naturally robust and can quickly adapt to various environments. While other turtle species are sensitive to water quality and temperature fluctuations, the Common Musk Turtle has a certain degree of tolerance and can adapt even to slightly turbid water for short periods or daily temperature swings. However, it should be noted that long-term unstable water quality can lead to skin rot and shell rot, which is a common challenge for those who keep them. I (Old Wu) recommend that new keepers consider getting a Common Musk Turtle.

Interactivity and Feeding Habits

The Common Musk Turtle has an active personality, which is especially evident during feeding time when it will chase after food in its owner’s hand. A friendly reminder: in their native environment, Common Musk Turtles are more active at night. Feeding them in the evening allows for better observation of their active state.

Appearance and Market Price

Among ‘egg turtle’ species, the Common Musk Turtle is considered entry-level, with a less impressive appearance, earning it nicknames like ‘little stinky egg’ and ‘little black egg.’ It lacks the ornate head patterns, bright shell colors, and radiating lines of other ‘egg turtles.’ However, for this very reason, its price is highly advantageous for new keepers. In previous years, the market price was generally around 60 RMB. This year, the ‘egg turtle’ market is booming, and the purchase price has surpassed 100 RMB, which may be related to their short breeding season. Readers are welcome to share their opinions in the comments section.