Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone tell what the smallest water turtle is? I'm thinking its one of these but I'm not sure: mud, map, musk. I've read a lot of information, but different sites says different things, Right now I have a sulcata tortoise.

Thanks so much

I dont know what the smallest turtle in the world is, but I do know that maps get a lot bigger than mud or musk. Musk turtles I believe are the smallest.
-----

I've heard spotteds are smaller than musks but both are pretty small. Keep in mind that when we say musks we mean the North American ones, so don't run out and buy a Mexican. Mud turtles are also pretty small.
-----
Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

Don't forget that even in North America there are size differences between species. I've seen some Razorbacks that were larger than I thought they'd be - about six inches. I have a pair of eastern mud turtles right now, full grown at four inches and 4.25 inches. They're homely little critters, but full of personality and charm. And, contrary to popular belief, I do find them basking occasionally, and they will eat greens in moderation. They LOVE water hyacinth, but shunned water lettuce.

Katrina

Musk Turtle, Spotted Turtle, Bog Turtle, Male Map Turtle, Mud Turtle.
Michael Fedzen

Thanks for all the help. I guess I need to decide which one I want out of the ones mentioned. This is gona be tough!

hehe...yea that list seems pretty accurate...all can be around 3 inches when "fullgrown" (meaning they're still growing but very slowly) according to the Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. It's kind of amusing u want a tiny water turtle when you also have like the 3rd largest tortoise in the world...heh.

Good luck getting the bog turtle though....aren't they endangered and prohibited from being sold or bought? (never seen one offered on Kingsnake classifieds). I know some captive breeders have them. Anyone know the legal ramifications regarding these guys?

Johnny

I think they can be bought and sold, if you have your paperwork in order. I could be wrong, though.

Katrina

Yes katrina is correct about the bogs.Bbut only in the state in which they were bred and only if said sttae has no subspecific laws protecting them and only if the parents are 'legal"
At the present time that restricts you to a few people in Florida one in Ohio and one in Canada as far as I know.
But like anything else if you know where to look and have the money you can buy what you want.

Note also that the texas map turtle is the smallest male, males of other species grow larger.