Musk Turtle Facts, Size and Lifespan

When we think of turtles, most of us picture large, slow-moving animals plodding along on land. The musk turtle is the exact opposite: small enough to fit in your palm, it spends nearly its entire life underwater and, when it feels threatened, relies on a very different kind of defense. In fact, that defense is where its name comes from. Don’t let the small size fool you. Musk turtles are curious, active little creatures that are a real pleasure to watch, which is exactly why they are so popular in the aquarium world.

What Kind of Animal Is the Musk Turtle?

Musk turtles are among the smallest freshwater turtles in the world, with most species staying between 8 and 14 centimeters. They favor slow-moving creeks, shallow ponds thick with vegetation, and muddy bottoms. They are so devoted to the water that they hardly ever come ashore; even for basking, they usually prefer to cling to a branch just below the surface. Here is the curious part: they are not particularly good swimmers. Instead, they walk. A musk turtle slowly patrols the bottom, poking around rocks and plant roots in search of food. Watching this little “bottom patrol” through the glass is one of our visitors’ favorite moments.

Where Does the Name Come From?

The clue is in the name: musk. These turtles have scent glands under the rear edge of their shell. When they feel threatened, they release a sharp, unpleasant musky odor from these glands — a way of telling predators “I would not make a tasty meal.” That is why one of the best-known species is jokingly called the “stinkpot” in English. Thankfully, they only use this trick when they are truly frightened.

Musk Turtle Species

Common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus): The best-known member of the family. It lives in the lakes and streams of North America and rarely grows beyond 10 centimeters. Despite its tiny size, it can live for more than 30 years. This is also the musk turtle you are most likely to come across in the aquarium hobby. Narrow-bridged musk turtle (Claudius angustatus): Native to the shallow, heavily vegetated waters of Mexico and Central America. Its pointed snout and large head set it apart from its relatives, and its personality is bigger than its body; it does not like being disturbed and has a surprisingly powerful bite. This is the very species you can see up close at Emaar Aquarium.

The Narrow-Bridged Musk Turtle at Emaar Aquarium

Our narrow-bridged musk turtle keeps up its natural habits here as well. It spends most of the day walking along the bottom, searching the floor for aquatic insects and small invertebrates. Watch patiently for a few minutes and you will catch it probing the ground with its snout and marching along with that confident, unhurried gait. During your visit you can also meet our water turtles and the pig-nosed turtle, one of the rarest turtles kept in aquariums anywhere in the world — a full day out for any turtle enthusiast.

How Big Does a Musk Turtle Get?

An adult musk turtle usually measures between 8 and 14 centimeters; the common musk turtle often stays under 10. The narrow-bridged musk turtle is the bigger member of the family and can reach up to 16 centimeters. Hatchlings are about the size of a coin. These numbers place the musk turtle firmly among the smallest freshwater turtles on the planet.

What Do Musk Turtles Eat?

Musk turtles are mostly carnivorous. In the wild they feed on aquatic insects, snails, small mollusks, worms and, when they find it, carrion. They do not chase their food; they find it by patiently combing the bottom. This calm but determined feeding style makes them all the more entertaining to watch.

Are They Hard to Keep at Home?

Thanks to its small size, a musk turtle does not need a giant tank, which is why it is popular among turtle keepers. Still, it would be unfair to call it an easy pet. It needs clean water, the right temperature, a well-running filter setup and a commitment that can last for decades. It is also worth remembering that a grumpy musk turtle will bite. If you would like to get to know this animal before taking on that responsibility, you can watch it at its most natural at Emaar Aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a musk turtle?

Because of the glands under the rear edge of its shell, which release a sharp musky odor when the turtle feels threatened. In the wild, this scent helps keep predators away.

How long do musk turtles live?

Depending on the species and living conditions, they can easily live for more than 30 years. Assuming they are short-lived because of their tiny size is a common mistake.

Do musk turtles bite?

They can. The narrow-bridged musk turtle in particular will not hesitate to use its powerful jaws when disturbed. It is not a species that enjoys being handled — the best way to enjoy it is from the other side of the glass.

Where can I see a musk turtle?

You can see the narrow-bridged musk turtle in Istanbul at Emaar Aquarium. We recommend checking the feeding hours before your visit.