Loggerhead Musk Turtle

1 Overview

The loggerhead musk turtle (Sternotherus minor) is a small North American musk turtle with an oversized head and a permanent frown. It is one of the more personable small aquatic turtles.

SOURCE NOTE: the source gave only ‘Loggerhead Musk Turtle’; the binomial is Sternotherus minor.

2 Appearance

The carapace is brown with a rough, keeled texture; the large head has two light stripes and barbels on the chin. Adults reach 10-13 cm.

3 Care & Temperament

A small aquarium with a basking spot, warm clean water, and a soft substrate suits them. They are mostly aquatic but appreciate a haul-out.

Shell rot follows poor water quality, so filtration and regular changes matter.

4 Habitat & Environment

Provide shallow, well-filtered water with a gentle land margin and UVB basking. They like to hide among structure.

5 Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous: pellets, small fish, insects, and some plant matter. Feed modest amounts every 2-3 days and remove leftovers.