How Big Does a Musk Turtle Get

Most musk turtles only grow to be about 6-8 inches long. Some species, like the common musk turtle, can get a little bit bigger and reach lengths of 10 inches. But no matter what species you have, you can expect your musk turtle to stay on the smaller side.

This is good news for those who are looking for a pet turtle that doesn’t require a lot of space or special care.

Musk Turtle Care Guide (the best beginner turtle?!)

Musk turtles are one of the smaller species of turtle, usually only growing to be about 4-6 inches long. However, there have been some reports of musk turtles reaching up to 8 or 9 inches in length. These turtles get their name from the musky smell that they produce, which is used to deter predators.

Musk turtles are found in a variety of habitats, including ponds, lakes, and streams.

How Long Does a Musk Turtle Live

Musk turtles are a type of fresh water turtle. They get their name from the musky odor they produce. Musk turtles can live up to 30 years in captivity, although wild musk turtles usually only live for around 10-15 years.

The oldest recorded musk turtle was over 50 years old! Musk turtles are found in North America, from southern Canada all the way down to northern Mexico. They prefer slow moving waters, such as ponds and wetlands.

In the wild, musk turtles mostly eat insects and other invertebrates. But in captivity, they will also eat pellets, vegetables, and meat. Musk turtles are relatively small turtles, with adults usually only reaching around 4-6 inches in shell length.

Females are generally smaller than males. Musk turtles have dark brown or black shells with yellow spots or streaks. Their undersides are yellow or cream colored.

If you’re thinking about getting a musk turtle as a pet, be prepared for a long commitment! These little creatures can easily outlive their human companions if well cared for. But if you’re up for the challenge, a musk turtle can make a great addition to your family!

What Size Tank Does a Musk Turtle Need?

Most musk turtles do well in a 40 gallon tank when they are full grown. Some people like to go with a bigger tank, but that is really not necessary unless you want to add more turtles or other animals to the enclosure. If you decide to get a bigger tank, make sure it has plenty of hiding spots and basking areas for your turtle.

A good rule of thumb is 10 gallons per turtle. So, if you have two musk turtles, you would need an 80 gallon tank.

How Long Does It Take a Musk Turtle to Be Fully Grown?

Musk turtles are fully grown when they reach 5 to 6 inches in length. They can live up to 30 years in captivity, but their lifespan in the wild is unknown.

How Long Do Musk Turtles Live For?

Musk turtles typically have a lifespan of around 20 years when kept in captivity. In the wild, their lifespan is thought to be much shorter due to predation and other factors. However, there are some reports of musk turtles living for over 30 years in the wild.

Are Musk Turtles Good Pets?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a pet, and whether or not a musk turtle is a good fit for you depends on your individual circumstances. However, in general, musk turtles make good pets because they are relatively low-maintenance and have a long lifespan. Musk turtles are small turtles that typically only grow to be about 4-6 inches in shell length.

They are native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, from rivers and streams to marshes and swamps. Musk turtles get their name from the strong smelling musk that they emit as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened. One of the main reasons why musk turtles make good pets is because they are low-maintenance compared to other types of pets.

They do not require a lot of space, so they can be kept in smaller enclosures than some other reptiles. They also do not need special lighting or heating like many other reptiles, which makes them easier to care for. In addition, musk turtles are fairly hardy creatures and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels, making them less susceptible to illness than some other reptile pets.

Another reason why musk turtles make good pets is because they have a long lifespan. While wild musk turtles can live up to 40 years old, captive musk turtles often live even longer – up to 50 years or more with proper care! This means that if you choose a musk turtle as your pet, you will likely have it for many years to come.

Of course, there are also some drawbacks associated with keeping musk turtles as pets. One potential downside is that they can be quite shy creatures and may not interact much with their owners (although this varies depending on the individual turtle). Another thing to keep in mind is that all reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria on their skin and in their feces, which can cause illness in humans if not handled properly (this includes washing your hands after handling your turtle or its enclosure).

Conclusion

A musk turtle is a small freshwater turtle that typically only grows to be about four to six inches long. However, there are some reports of musk turtles growing up to eight or even nine inches long. The largest recorded musk turtle was just over eleven inches long!

Musk turtles are relatively small compared to other types of turtles, but they are still a popular pet choice because of their docile nature and easy care requirements.