Small Turtle Breeds

If you have limited tank space and you are interested in a turtle breed that will remain fairly small even as an adult (we are talking only 3" to 4” for males, and 5" to 7” for females), then I will list them off for you.  I will also include photos of each breed with a small note down below.  This way, you can find the turtle breed that is right for you.  And some of these breeds really are quite lovely: 

·         Spotted (as a protected breed, these are restricted in some states, please read the laws)

·         Texas Map

·         Asian Reeves

·         Painted (Western, Eastern or Southern - Southern is the smallest)

·         Razor Back Musk

And now, a little information and photos of the above breeds:

SPOTTED TURTLE:

 

 WARNING:  Again, this breed is protected and illegal to own in many states.  So please do your research before setting out to buy one.  If you happen to live in one of the restricted states, you could be breaking the law by owning and purchasing one.   Or breeding them.  Regardless of whether they were captive bred.  The reason they are protected is because their population in the wild is very much in danger, due to late sexual maturity, shrinking natural habitat areas and high egg mortality.  But also because of poachers capturing them to sell because they are one of the most highly desired breeds-- their black color and beautiful contrasting bright spots resembling a starry night sky, along with their very small adult size, make them VERY desirable as pets.   And yes, they are wonderful pets!  Because of this, they are also more expensive than most other breeds ($150 to $300 depending how old they are, as their value increases with age).   But please check up on the laws in your area.

 TEXAS MAP TURTLE:

 Small, cute, usually dark in color and most little boys find them "cool" with their characteristic spikes down the back.  Their name comes from the map-like designs covering their shell and body.  

ASIAN REEVES TURTLE

Almost looking like a miniature, chubby tortoise-- this is a cute, dark-colored turtle breed, which will remain small for limited spaces.  Although it is somewhat rare in the United States, and may cost a bit more. 

 WESTERN PAINTED TURTLE:

Unlike most breeds, the most interesting part of this turtle is usually their belly and under sides...   Characterized by red/orange and black designs resembling native painting patterns, the beauty of this breed is often hidden by the almost unnoticeable brown-ish top shell. 

EASTERN PAINTED TURTLE:

Somewhat like their cousins above, the Eastern Painted turtle shares the brown top shell with the vivid designs of red and black around their sides, and even on their legs and tail.  But they usually have a solid yellow belly.

SOUTHERN PAINTED TURTLE:

Yet another "painted" breed, and just like its friend above, it has the colorful sides with a yellow belly...    But the Southern Painted will have a distinct, solid line down the middle of its back, in either red, orange or beige.  The line becomes more vivid as the turtle ages.  

RAZOR BACK MUSK TURTLE:

Some people believe this may have been the breed of the 2 turtles that "Rocky Balboa" kept in his small, humble apartment in the first Rocky movie (their names were Cuff and Link).  Although the conditions they lived in were nowhere near adequate in the film, these do make a great pet.  Many say this one looks like a cross-breed between Asian Reeves and Texas Map...  And I would have to agree!   But one interesting characteristic about this breed is-- unlike most aquatic turtles, this one is not known to "bask" out of the water in the sun/UV light.   It generally stays under the water almost all the time.  Although, just in case, it may be a good idea to provide a place for it to get out of the water, if it should ever want to.  

That's A Wrap!

The fact that these breeds will remain the size of a mango, or smaller their entire life, means that they will be able to live very comfortably in a much smaller tank than larger breeds (such as the Red Eared Slider). 

They do cost a bit more, depending where you buy them from.  But its worth it if you desperately want a pet turtle, and adult size is a major concern.

The above breeds are an excellent choice for people in smaller homes and apartments, or if you are getting a turtle for your child, and don't want to turn your entire wall into a marine life tribute.