Turtles are captivating pets, bringing a unique charm to any home. Their calm demeanor and relatively low-maintenance care compared to some other pets make them a popular choice. Many are drawn to the endearing image of tiny baby turtles, perhaps wishing their shelled companions could remain that petite size forever. While the idea of a perpetually small turtle is appealing, the reality is that many turtle species grow quite large, requiring significant space and resources.
Luckily for those charmed by smaller creatures, nature offers a wonderful array of turtle breeds that stay small throughout their lives. These miniature turtles retain their manageable size, making them ideal for hobbyists with limited space or those who simply prefer a smaller pet. If you’re dreaming of a turtle companion that won’t outgrow your home or your lap, explore this guide to discover the best pet turtles that stay small.
1. Spotted Turtle
- Lifespan: 25-50 years
- Size: 3-5 inches
- Tank Size: 20-33 gallons
Native to Southeastern Canada and the Northeastern United States, Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata) are aptly named for the distinctive yellow or cream-colored spots that adorn their black or dark brown shells and heads. Some individuals may even exhibit spots of red, orange, or yellow on their plastrons (belly shells), adding to their visual appeal.
Growing to a maximum size of just 5 inches, Spotted Turtles are genuinely small turtles, making them excellent pets for beginners and experienced keepers alike. Unlike some turtle species known for their reluctance to be handled, Spotted Turtles are known for their docile and even-tempered nature. They are often described as being more tolerant of gentle handling, which can enhance the interactive experience for owners. Their small size combined with their amiable disposition makes them a top choice for those seeking a miniature turtle pet.
2. Musk Turtle (Common Musk Turtle or Stinkpot)
- Lifespan: 40-60 years
- Size: 3-4 inches
- Tank Size: 20-30 gallons
Musk Turtles, also known as Common Musk Turtles or “Stinkpots” (Sternotherus odoratus), are among the smallest turtle species in North America. Typically reaching only 3 to 4 inches in length, with females often being slightly smaller than males, they are true miniature turtles. They are primarily found in the eastern regions of North America.
One interesting characteristic of Musk Turtles is their preference for freshwater habitats, unlike some turtles that tolerate brackish water. They are also known for their unique defense mechanism: when threatened, they can release a foul-smelling musk from glands near their hind legs, hence the nickname “Stinkpot.” Musk Turtles are also adept climbers and have been known to attempt escapes from their enclosures, so secure tank setups are essential. Despite their small size, they have remarkably long lifespans, often living for 40 to 60 years, making them a long-term commitment. Their diminutive size and longevity make them a fantastic option for those wanting a pet turtle that stays small.
3. Mud Turtle
- Lifespan: 25-50 years
- Size: Up to 5 inches
- Tank Size: 75 gallons
Mud Turtles, belonging to the genus Kinosternon, are another group of small turtles that are popular as pets. These turtles are native to Africa, Mexico, and parts of North America. While there are several species of Mud Turtles, the most commonly kept in captivity, such as the Common Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) and Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii), typically reach a maximum size of 4 to 5 inches. Other species, like the Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) and Sonoran Mud Turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense), can occasionally grow slightly larger, reaching up to 6 inches.
Despite their name, keeping Mud Turtles does not involve muddy enclosures. They thrive in clean aquatic environments with ample hiding places. Mud Turtles are generally hardy and relatively easy to care for, contributing to their popularity among turtle enthusiasts. Their small size and manageable care requirements solidify their place among the best small pet turtles.
4. Bog Turtle
- Lifespan: 20-30 years
- Size: 3-4 inches
- Tank Size: 40 gallons
Bog Turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) are among the smallest turtle species in North America, and indeed, globally. The largest Bog Turtle rarely exceeds 4 inches in length, making them truly miniature. Their small size and charming appearance have made them highly sought after as pets, particularly in the United States, although their conservation status requires careful consideration. They are native to the Eastern United States, inhabiting swampy and marshy areas, and sometimes even wet fields near cattle pastures.
Bog Turtles typically exhibit dark brown or black shells with a distinctive yellow or orange blotch on each side of their neck. Their diminutive size and attractive markings, combined with their relatively docile nature, make them appealing pets for those seeking a small and engaging turtle. However, it’s crucial to research the legality of keeping Bog Turtles in your area, as they are often protected due to habitat loss and over-collection.
5. Reeve’s Turtle (Chinese Pond Turtle)
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Size: 4-9 inches
- Tank Size: 50 gallons
Reeve’s Turtles (Mauremys reevesii), also known as Chinese Pond Turtles, are popular in the pet trade, especially in East Asian countries like China, Japan, and Taiwan. They prefer habitats with still or slow-moving water, such as ponds, lakes, and streams, with abundant vegetation and basking spots.
While Reeve’s Turtles can vary in size, with some individuals reaching up to 9 inches, many stay within the smaller range of 4 to 6 inches, especially males. They may not be as vibrantly colored as some other turtle species, often displaying primarily black or dark gray coloration, but their gentle and docile personalities endear them to turtle enthusiasts. Reeve’s Turtles are known for their calm demeanor and are generally not prone to biting, making them pleasant to observe and care for. It’s important to monitor their shells for signs of disease, as they can be susceptible to shell infections.
6. Desert Box Turtle
- Lifespan: 30-50 years
- Size: 4-5 inches
- Tank Size: 30-50 gallons
Desert Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata luteola) are a subspecies of Ornate Box Turtle, uniquely adapted to drier environments. They challenge the notion that turtle ownership is limited to humid climates, as they thrive in less humid conditions compared to many other turtle species. They are also known for their longevity, often living for 30 to 50 years. Desert Box Turtles are admired for their attractive yellowish coloration and intricate shell patterns.
Typically reaching 4 to 5 inches in size, Desert Box Turtles are small and manageable. They are terrestrial turtles, meaning they spend most of their time on land, requiring enclosures that cater to their terrestrial lifestyle with appropriate substrate and hiding places. They are considered one of the two subspecies of Terrapene ornata turtles. However, they can be relatively expensive to purchase, reflecting their specialized needs and unique appeal.
7. Razorback Musk Turtle
- Lifespan: 20-25 years
- Size: 5-6 inches
- Tank Size: 30 gallons
Razorback Musk Turtles (Sternotherus carinatus) are another member of the Musk Turtle family and are considered the largest of the musk turtles, although they are still relatively small. They are almost entirely aquatic, only emerging from the water occasionally to bask. Native to the southern United States, they inhabit rivers, streams, and lakes.
Reaching 5 to 6 inches in length, Razorback Musk Turtles are named for the prominent ridge or “razorback” along their carapace (top shell). They are known for being shy and non-aggressive, rarely biting or displaying aggression. They prefer not to be handled and are best enjoyed as observation pets. Their captivating behavior of walking along the bottom of their tanks makes them fascinating to watch.
8. Diamondback Terrapin (Males)
- Lifespan: 25-40 years
- Size: 5-7 inches (males, females larger)
- Tank Size: 75 gallons
Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are slightly larger than some of the other turtles on this list, but male Diamondback Terrapins are still considered to be on the smaller side, reaching about 5 inches, while females grow larger, up to 7 inches. They are native to brackish water habitats along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States.
Diamondback Terrapins are known for their beautiful, diamond-shaped patterns on their shells, hence their name. While relatively hardy, they can be susceptible to fungal infections and shell diseases, requiring diligent care and appropriate water quality. They need more space compared to the truly miniature turtles, but male Diamondback Terrapins still qualify as small pet turtles, particularly when compared to larger breeds.
9. Red-Eared Slider (While Juvenile)
- Lifespan: 20-40 years
- Size: 6-12 inches
- Tank Size: 50 gallons (for adults, smaller for juveniles)
Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) are one of the most popular pet turtles worldwide, originating from North America. They are easily recognized by the distinctive red patches behind their eyes. While adult Red-Eared Sliders can grow to a substantial size of 6 to 12 inches, juvenile Red-Eared Sliders are undeniably small and adorable.
For those initially captivated by the small size of baby turtles, Red-Eared Sliders offer that appeal in their early stages. They are relatively hardy and considered low-maintenance compared to some pets, although they still require dedicated care. Red-Eared Sliders are omnivorous, offering a varied diet. They are known for their bright colors and generally prefer not to be handled extensively. While they will eventually outgrow the “small” category, their juvenile stage offers the experience of keeping a small pet turtle.
10. Yellow-Bellied Slider (While Juvenile)
- Lifespan: 30-40 years
- Size: 5-13 inches
- Tank Size: 75-100 gallons (for adults, smaller for juveniles)
Yellow-Bellied Sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) are closely related to Red-Eared Sliders and share many similarities, including their popularity as pets and their eventual larger adult size. They are distinguished by their yellow plastrons (belly shells) with dark markings and varied shell colors, including green, brown, and black with yellow stripes. Like Red-Eared Sliders, juvenile Yellow-Bellied Sliders are small and appealing.
Yellow-Bellied Sliders are active during the daytime, spending considerable time basking. They are amiable and relatively low-maintenance pets once their needs are met. Similar to Red-Eared Sliders, while they grow beyond the “small” category in adulthood, their juvenile phase provides the opportunity to keep a small, engaging pet turtle.
11. African Sideneck Turtle (Smaller Species)
- Lifespan: 25-50 years
- Size: 7-12 inches (smaller species)
- Tank Size: 75 gallons
African Sideneck Turtles (Pelomedusa subrufa) are native to freshwater rivers and lakes in Africa and Madagascar. While some species can grow larger, certain African Sideneck Turtles remain within a manageable size range of 7-12 inches, placing them on the smaller end of the turtle spectrum. They are known for their distinctive ability to turn their heads sideways into their shells rather than retracting them straight back. They also possess a unique “smiling” appearance due to their upward-curving mouths.
African Sideneck Turtles are relatively easy to care for in captivity and are known for their engaging behavior, particularly their ability to use their long necks to right themselves if flipped onto their backs. They are generally hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced turtle keepers seeking a moderately sized pet turtle.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing a pet turtle that stays small offers numerous advantages. While all turtles require commitment and proper care, smaller species often require less space, smaller tanks, and are generally easier to manage in the long run. Avoiding the need to constantly upgrade to larger enclosures as your turtle grows can be a significant benefit, both in terms of cost and effort.
If you are drawn to the idea of a pet turtle but are concerned about size constraints, the breeds listed above provide excellent options. From the truly miniature Spotted Turtle and Musk Turtle to the moderately sized male Diamondback Terrapin and smaller African Sideneck species, there is a small turtle breed to suit various preferences and lifestyles. By selecting a turtle that stays small, you can enjoy the companionship of these fascinating creatures without the challenges associated with housing and caring for larger, rapidly growing species. Consider your space, lifestyle, and research each species thoroughly to determine which small pet turtle would be the perfect addition to your home.
