Below you will find some of the most common species of turtles available today in the pet trade. In no means is this list complete, so I will add to it from time to time.
Red Ear Slider
(Trachemys scripta elegans)
Place of origin: North America
Max size: females 10”-14” males 8”-10”
Care level: Moderate (due to adult size)
Diet: Omnivores: pellet diets, small fish, insects, worms, greens, anacaharis, and shrimp.
The Red Ear Slider is the most common species of turtle found in the exotic pet trade. This species is also available in various morphs and colors. Red Ear sliders are banned for sale, trade, and posession in the state of Florida unless one posses special permitting.
Yellow Belly Slider
(Trachemys scripta scripta)
Place of origin: North America
Max size: females 8”-13” males 6”-8”
Care level: Moderate (due to size)
Diet: Omnivores: pellet diets, small fish, insects, worms, greens, anacaharis, and shrimp.
The Yellow Belly slider is sub species of the red ear slider and they’re care is identical.
Peninsula Cooter
(Pseudemys floridana peninsular)
Place of Origin: Florida
Max size: females 9”-14” males 7”-10”
Care level: Moderate (due to size)
Diet: Omnivores: pellet diets, small fish, insects, worms, greens, anacaharis, and shrimp.
Care is identical to Red Ear Sliders, adults can have very interesting shell patterns.
Missisippi Map Turtle
(Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii)
Place of Origin: South East United States
Max size: females 6”-10” males 4”-6”
Care level: Beginner
Diet: Omnivores: pellet diets, small fish, insects, worms, greens, anacaharis, and shrimp
Smaller species, care similar to Slider and Cooter species.
Reeves turtle
(Mauremys reevesii)
Place of Origin: Wide spread throughout Asia
Max size: 5”-7”
Care level: Beginner
Diet: Omnivores: pellet diets, small fish, insects, worms, greens, anacaharis, and shrimp
A great beginner species of turtle. Smaller in size and very docile. This species prefers shallower waters then some of the species listed prior. This species is threatened in its native home lands due to over hunting for the Asian food market.
Common Musk turtle aka Stinkpot
(Sternotherus odoratus)
Place of origin: North America
Max size: 4”-5”
Care level: Beginner
Diet: Primarily carnivores, but will feed on pellets
This is a primarily aquatic species, that requires little to no land area. Also require minimal to no UV lighting due to its aquatic lifestyle. Great beginner species due to its small adult size. Can be slightly aggressive and will produce a strong musk smell when aggravated.
Spiny soft shell
(Apalone spinier)
Place of Origin: North America
Max size: Females 12”-19” males 7”-10”
Care level: Moderate (due to size and aggression)
Diet: Carnivores, will eat pellets
This is a large species that is not hesitant to bite. Strictly aquatic species, that requires little to no UV lighting. Feeds primarily on small aquatic fish, but will eat pellets.
Common snapping turtle and Florida Snapping Turtle
(Chelydra serpentina serpentina) & (Chelydra serpentina Osceola)
Place of origin: North America/ Florida
Max size: 10”-20” max weight 60-80 pounds
Care level: moderate (due to size and aggression)
Diet: Carnivores, but will eat vegetables and fruit
Very large and very aggressive species of turtle. Not recommended for beginners. Primarily sedentary species that requires no UV lighting. One should take care when handling this species due to the ability of larger specimens to inflict serious bites. Species banned in California and Washington.
Alligator Snapping Turtle
(Macroclemys temminckii)
Place of Origin: North America
Max size: Up to 30” can reach over 200 pounds
Care level: Advanced (due to large size and aggression)
Diet: carnivores, but will eat vegetables and fruits
North Americas largest species of fresh water turtle. This species has a record size of just over 300 pounds. Very long lived species, that as adults requires a large tank with heavy filtration. Require no land area or UV lighting. One should take care when handling this species due to the ability of larger specimens to inflict serious bites. Species banned in California and Washington. Ownership of this species in limited to just one in the state of Florida. Also sales of this species is banned in the state of Florida.
Mata mata turtle
(Chelus fimbratus)
Place of origin: South America (Amazon)
Max size: up to 18” and 30 plus pounds
Care level: Advanced
Diet: Carnivores
My absolute favorite species of turtle. They are a sedentary species that requires warm water with a low ph in order to thrive in captivity. 95% of all turtles available are either wild caught or long term captives. Generally will only feed on feeder fish of appropriate size, but some will accept pellets (but rare).
