Small Turtle Species That Stay Small When Fully Grown

There are many turtle species that remain relatively small even after reaching adulthood. These include the Musk Turtle, Razorback Musk Turtle, Big-headed Turtle, Eastern Mud Turtle, Common Musk Turtle, and Red-cheeked Mud Turtle. These smaller turtles are generally easier to care for, making them popular choices for many turtle enthusiasts.

1. Musk Turtle

Musk turtles belong to the Kinosternidae family, genus *Sternotherus*. They are a small turtle species, averaging between 8 and 14 centimeters in length. Musk turtles have a light brown head that is relatively large, with two white stripes on either side of the top of the head. Their carapace (upper shell) is brown or black, smooth, and oval-shaped with a flattened top. They inhabit various types of permanent bodies of water, such as ponds and rivers. Their primary diet consists of small fish and shrimp, and they can also eat commercial turtle food in captivity.

2. Razorback Musk Turtle

The Razorback Musk Turtle has an oval carapace that can reach up to 17 centimeters in length. Unlike other turtles, it features a prominent, high-arched ridge that runs the length of its back. Each vertebral scute usually overlaps the one behind it. Viewed from the front, its carapace resembles a triangle, with sloped sides forming an angle of less than 100 degrees.

3. Big-headed Turtle

The Big-headed Turtle has a body length of 8-13.5 centimeters. Their carapace features ridges, and the vertebral scutes are imbricated (overlapping). The seams may have brown or orange edging, and there may be dark spots or radiating stripes present. The plastron (lower shell) is small, pink or yellow, and there are only barbels on the chin. The head features dark spots or stripes.

4. Eastern Mud Turtle

Eastern Mud Turtles have a body length of 7.6-12.4 millimeters. Their carapace is olive to dark brown, patternless, smooth, and lacking ridges. They do not have particularly large marginal scutes. The plastron is yellow to brown with two hinged joints. They prefer freshwater or brackish water, inhabiting shallow areas with soft bottoms, slow currents, and abundant vegetation.

5. Common Musk Turtle

The Common Musk Turtle is a small mud turtle, with a body length of around 12 centimeters. Their lifespan is generally 30-55 years. Their carapace is relatively broad and flat, with the widest and highest points located towards the rear of the back. Adult Common Musk Turtles do not have spinal bones, and their scute edges are not serrated.

6. Red-cheeked Mud Turtle

The Red-cheeked Mud Turtle, also known as the Red-faced Mud Turtle, belongs to the Kinosternidae family, genus *Kinosternon*. It is a highly sought-after turtle species, native to Central and South America. Red-cheeked Mud Turtles are generally small, with a body length of approximately 12-17.5 centimeters. Their carapace is oval-shaped and smooth. Due to its egg-like shape, it is also called the Red-faced Egg Turtle.Bonus resource:Pet Knowledge