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Imported species record

Source review pending · not a care recommendation

Musk Turtle

Sternotherus odoratus · Kinosternidae

This page preserves an imported legacy dataset record for discovery. Values below are unverified and must not be treated as a ReptBase source-audited husbandry recommendation.

Read the imported record Open a source-audited guide
Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) transparent cutout

01 / Imported record summary

Legacy dataset reference only

Imported reference. Source review pending. Do not treat this page as a complete care recommendation. The imported legacy record has not completed a ReptBase section-level source audit.

The imported legacy record states: Small aquatic turtles also known as 'stinkpots' because they can release a musk when threatened.

Imported native region: North America (unverified)

02 / Recorded values

Recorded legacy values

Recorded legacy values below are imported and unverified. They are not ReptBase recommendations.

Imported care-level label
beginner unverified
Imported adult size
Up to 12 cm unverified
Imported lifespan
About 30 years unverified
Imported diet type
omnivore unverified
Imported habitat pattern
temperate unverified
Family
Kinosternidae
Imported enclosure dimensions
90 x 45 x 45 cmImported · unverified · length x width x height
Imported ambient band
72-78°FImported · unverified
Imported basking surface
85-90°FImported · unverified
Imported humidity band
70-80% RHImported · unverified

The imported legacy record states (enclosure): A small aquatic turtle. Needs a 20-40 gallon tank with a basking area. Not strong swimmers, so provide many shallow resting spots.

The imported legacy record states (diet): Mostly carnivorous. They will occasionally eat aquatic plants.

The imported legacy record states (behavior): Also known as 'stinkpots'. They are small and relatively low-maintenance for an aquatic turtle.

The imported legacy record states (social): Best kept alone to avoid aggression in small tanks.

Foods listed in the old dataset imported · unverified

  • Turtle pellets
  • Earthworms
  • Crickets
  • Snails
  • Shrimp

Signs listed in the imported record

  • Hard shell
  • Clear eyes
  • Active foraging on the tank bottom
  • Regular basking

Imported · unverified

Concern signs listed in the imported record

  • Swollen eyes
  • Lopsided swimming
  • White spots on shell
  • Lethargy

Imported · unverified · not a diagnosis

03 / What has not been verified

This value has not yet completed a ReptBase source audit

  • Enclosure minimums and product recommendations
  • Heating, UVB, humidity and substrate protocols
  • Feeding ratios, schedules and supplementation claims
  • Social-housing claims
  • Health lists as diagnostic guidance
  • Setup-cost figures as live market prices

Do not treat this as a complete care recommendation.

04 / Questions to verify before using the record

Check before acting on any imported value

  • Which primary sources support this enclosure size for the adult animal?
  • Have heat, UVB and humidity been measured in a comparable enclosure?
  • Does a reptile-experienced veterinarian agree the listed signs are actionable?
  • Are diet notes current for the life stage you are planning for?
  • Is a source-audited ReptBase guide available for a better-supported alternative?

05 / General measurement and veterinary safety note

Measure conditions. Seek veterinary care when needed.

Outdoor climate and imported bands do not set enclosure targets. Enclosure dimensions, materials, ventilation, heat-source distance, thermostat control and measured warm/cool sides change every decision.

This is not a diagnosis. Sudden weakness, breathing difficulty, seizures, major injury or collapse warrants urgent contact with a reptile-experienced veterinarian.

Humidity gradient guidance

This imported band needs a measured humidity gradient

This record lists a tropical humidity band of 70-80% RH. Because that band sits above most indoor room air, plan a moist zone, a drier zone, ventilation, and drying cycles rather than relying on a single enclosure-wide reading.

Read the humidity gradient guide for tropical reptiles

06 / Editorial status

Imported species record

Current statusImported species record
Detailed source reviewPending
Page typeSpecies record · not a care recommendation

Care by location

Musk Turtle care profiles by city

Seasonal setup-pressure estimates for each recorded city. Each profile links the species range to outdoor normals and is a planning aid, not a recommendation.