{"product_id":"loggerhead-musk-turtle","title":"Loggerhead Musk Turtle","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"29\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3\" data-end=\"29\"\u003eLoggerhead Musk Turtle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"31\" data-end=\"120\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"31\" data-end=\"51\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"52\" data-end=\"78\"\u003eSternotherus minor minor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"81\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"81\" data-end=\"97\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Loggerhead Musk Turtle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"125\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"127\" data-end=\"151\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"131\" data-end=\"151\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"152\" data-end=\"275\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"152\" data-end=\"161\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Males typically reach 3.5 to 4.5 inches (9 to 11 cm), while females grow larger at 4 to 5.5 inches (10 to 14 cm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"277\" data-end=\"749\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"277\" data-end=\"292\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Loggerhead Musk Turtle is recognised for its large, blocky head compared to body size. The carapace is smooth, oval, and typically brown to olive with faint patterning that may fade with age. The head is often marked with pale yellow or cream speckling or striping. The plastron is reduced, typical of musk turtles, allowing high mobility. Males feature longer, thicker tails with a visible spine at the tip, while females are broader and more rounded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"894\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"768\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Found throughout the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and parts of Tennessee and Mississippi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"1254\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"908\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e In the wild, Loggerhead Musk Turtles inhabit slow-moving rivers, springs, creeks, swamps, and vegetated ponds. They favour areas with clean, shallow to moderately deep water, rocky or sandy bottoms, and abundant submerged structure. In captivity, they require a warm aquatic environment with clean water and multiple basking or haul-out options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1256\" data-end=\"1569\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1256\" data-end=\"1270\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species is primarily aquatic and spends much of its time walking along the bottom rather than swimming long distances. They bask more frequently than many other musk turtles and are generally bold, alert, and active during the day. They may become quite confident and interactive with keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"1574\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1576\" data-end=\"1596\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1580\" data-end=\"1596\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1597\" data-end=\"1942\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1597\" data-end=\"1611\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide an aquatic enclosure with a minimum footprint of 36 × 18 inches (90 × 45 cm) for one adult, though larger is beneficial. Include moderate water depth, submerged branches, rocks, and hides. A small basking platform or floating dock must be provided. Strong filtration is recommended, as musk turtles produce moderate waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"2109\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"1973\"\u003eTemperature and Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1973\" data-end=\"1976\"\u003eWater temperature: 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2018\" data-end=\"2021\"\u003eBasking area: 88 to 92°F (31 to 33°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2061\"\u003eAmbient air temperature: 78 to 84°F (26 to 29°C)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2111\" data-end=\"2344\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2111\" data-end=\"2124\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide full-spectrum lighting with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2161\" data-end=\"2175\"\u003e10–12% UVB\u003c\/strong\u003e to support proper shell health and overall metabolism. Although primarily aquatic, Loggerhead Musk Turtles bask regularly, so a clear, stable basking spot is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2346\" data-end=\"2630\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2346\" data-end=\"2355\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a varied omnivorous diet rich in animal matter, including insects, earthworms, snails, small fish, crustaceans, commercial turtle pellets, and occasional leafy greens or aquatic plants. Juveniles require higher protein intake, while adults benefit from a balanced mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2632\" data-end=\"2887\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2632\" data-end=\"2659\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Loggerhead Musk Turtles are active bottom-walkers and frequent baskers. They adapt well to captivity when provided strong filtration and stable heat. With time, many become bold feeders and eager explorers of their environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"2889\" data-end=\"2892\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2894\" data-end=\"2924\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2898\" data-end=\"2924\"\u003eSpecial Considerations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2925\" data-end=\"3175\"\u003e• Provide multiple hiding areas both underwater and at the surface.\u003cbr data-start=\"2992\" data-end=\"2995\"\u003e• Strong filtration and regular water changes are important.\u003cbr data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3058\"\u003e• Avoid deep water with no resting points; offer submerged platforms.\u003cbr data-start=\"3127\" data-end=\"3130\"\u003e• Juveniles consume more protein than adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3177\" data-end=\"3180\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3182\" data-end=\"3203\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3186\" data-end=\"3203\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3204\" data-end=\"3413\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"3204\" data-end=\"3223\"\u003eStenotherus minor\u003c\/em\u003e includes several subspecies, but the Loggerhead form (\u003cem data-start=\"3278\" data-end=\"3291\"\u003eS. m. minor\u003c\/em\u003e) is the most commonly kept in captivity. Its oversized head and distinctive spotting separate it from other musk turtles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3415\" data-end=\"3418\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3441\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3424\" data-end=\"3441\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3442\" data-end=\"3642\"\u003eThere are no recognised morphs for the Loggerhead Musk Turtle. Variations in head spotting, shell darkness, and contrast occur naturally among individuals and do not represent selectively bred traits.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56196218388802,"sku":"wxj1789650559440","price":224.84,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/8380\/8066\/files\/loggerhead-musk-turtle_1.jpg?v=1789650564","url":"https:\/\/abrasionresistclad.shop\/products\/loggerhead-musk-turtle","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}