Which Turtles Don’t Grow Big? 10 Recommended Miniature Turtles That Only Reach 10 cm as Adults

Want to raise a turtle but worry about the space it takes up? Concerned that a turtle might grow too big to care for? Here are 10 recommended small turtles that don’t grow large. Their adult size is only about 10 cm, making them small and adorable. See if there are any species you have raised.

Egyptian Tortoise

The Egyptian Tortoise is a tortoise that is no longer found in Egypt; it has become extinct in the Egyptian region, with only 2 populations remaining in Libya. They held significant importance in ancient Egyptian culture and were frequent subjects in many historical artifacts. When they first hatch, they are only the size of a coin, and as adults, their maximum carapace length is only 14.4 cm. They are typically herbivorous animals, primarily feeding on herbaceous plants and cacti in the desert. During the breeding season, they seek water sources to reproduce, with a clutch of eggs usually containing 1 to 5 hatchlings. They are active in the winter and prone to aestivation during the high heat of summer, and they are also the most drought-tolerant turtles.

Flattened Musk Turtle

The Flattened Musk Turtle is a small, aquatic freshwater turtle with a maximum size of only 12.5cm, native to Alabama, USA. Its carapace is oval-shaped, broad, and flat, and its head features unique markings, making it highly recognizable. The price for a hatchling is around 150,000 CNY (approx. 20,700 USD), and it is considered a “stylistically unique” and expensive species in overseas reptile pet collections.

Note: Due to their extreme rarity, prices fluctuate significantly. The turtle price mentioned above is for reference only; the actual cost often depends on the whim of a major collector.

Vallarta Mud Turtle

Its maximum straight carapace length is only 10.2cm. It has a distinct yellow patch on its nose, which has earned it the nickname “Golden-nosed Mud Turtle.” This species was discovered and named in 2018. It is extremely rare and endemic to Mexico, considered arguably the most endangered turtle species in the entire Western Hemisphere. Due to its extreme rarity, a single hatchling can cost as much as 200,000 CNY (approx. 27,600 USD), and it is hailed as the “pinnacle of the pyramid” among musk and mud turtles (a general term for small aquatic turtles).

Spotted Turtle

The Spotted Turtle is the only species in the *Clemmys* genus of the Emydidae family (a family under the Testudines order). It is primarily distributed in the eastern United States and southern Canada in North America. It is an omnivore with a preference for meat and typically feeds in the water when the temperature exceeds 15°C. Mating usually begins after their winter hibernation ends. During courtship, the male turtle will chase the female underwater and bite her legs and shell. Mating occurs in shallow water and lasts for about 1 hour.

Black-breasted Leaf Turtle

The maximum carapace length is 12.8cm. The carapace is elongated and relatively flat, resembling a maple leaf. It is a native turtle species of China and is a National Class II Protected Wild Animal. Captive-bred individuals are not expensive; at the 2025 Foshan Turtle Show, the price for a Black-breasted Leaf Turtle was 168 CNY (approx. 23 USD). When keeping them at home, it is important to note that their swimming ability is poor, so they cannot be kept in deep water, or they may easily drown. They require basking and have a need for hibernation.

Striped Mud Turtle

The maximum carapace length is 12 cm. The carapace is usually brown or black, with varied and vibrant head markings. The head pattern of each one is like a unique work of art.

Bog Turtle

The Bog Turtle is the smallest turtle in North America, with adults reaching a maximum size of only about 11cm. It has conspicuous large orange-yellow patches on both sides of its head, giving it a very characteristic appearance. It is critically endangered, and for this reason, the price for a hatchling starts at 200,000 CNY (approx. 27,600 USD). It is highly sought after in the overseas collector’s market.

Dwarf Side-necked Turtle

The Dwarf Side-necked Turtle belongs to the *Pelusios* genus, the same genus as the very familiar West African Mud Turtle. Its maximum straight carapace length is only 12.2cm, with males being around 10cm. As a tropical turtle, it needs to be kept with heating. Its swimming ability is slightly weaker than that of Pelomedusa turtles (a common ornamental turtle). When it was first introduced to China, the price for a hatchling was around 4,000 CNY (approx. 552 USD). Due to large-scale breeding, you can now buy one of these mini turtles for 600-700 CNY (approx. 83-97 USD).

Eastern Mud Turtle

Mainly distributed in the southern United States and northern Mexico, its maximum carapace length is 12.5 cm. Its carapace resembles a bicycle helmet, it has a small body, and varied head markings. During the breeding season, male turtles attract females by displaying their head stripes and shell color. They will swim around the female and gently touch her with their front limbs as a courtship behavior. Once the female accepts, they will mate in the water.

Loggerhead Musk Turtle

It is one of the 6 major subspecies of the *Sternotherus* genus. The adult body length is around 7~10cm, with a maximum of 12cm. As a highly aquatic turtle, the Loggerhead Musk Turtle rarely basks and can breathe directly underwater through its oral and pharyngeal organs. It often likes to walk on the riverbed. In the musk and mud turtle keepers’community, the Loggerhead Musk Turtle is regarded as the “King of Small Musk Turtles.”Its splendid head markings and difficulty in keeping make it an ultimate goal for experienced hobbyists. The market price varies greatly depending on the appearance quality; hatchlings cost about 600 CNY (approx. 83 USD), while top-grade individuals can reach over 3,000 CNY (approx. 414 USD). Hobbyists often follow a progression path of “Razor-backed (Razor-backed Musk Turtle) → Loggerhead (Loggerhead Musk Turtle) → Tiger-striped (referring to high-pattern Loggerhead Musk Turtles) → Narrow-bridged (Narrow-bridged Musk Turtle).”