If you’re considering getting a pet turtle, you might be wondering which species would make the best fit for you. With so many different types of turtles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to bring into your home. In this article, we’ll explore the best pet turtles for beginners, including their temperament, care requirements, and other important factors to consider before bringing one home.
By the end of this article, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision and choose the perfect pet turtle to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Top 9 Turtles in 2025
Below, we’ll explore these fascinating creatures and provide detailed reviews of their care requirements, temperament, and other important considerations. From the popular Red-Eared Slider to the lesser-known Peninsula Cooter, this list has something for every turtle enthusiast. So, let’s dive in and discover the top 9 turtles of 2023!
- Red-Eared Slider (Pond Slider)
The Red-Eared Slider, also known as the Pond Slider, is one of the most popular pet turtles. They are known for their distinctive red patch behind their eyes, which gives them their name. These turtles are quite active and require a large aquarium or pond to live in. They can grow up to 12 inches in length and have a lifespan of up to 40 years.
Red-Eared Sliders are omnivores and require a varied diet that includes both incest and plant matter. As with all pet turtles, it’s important to research their care requirements before bringing one home to ensure you can provide a suitable environment for them.
| Quick Facts | Care Essential | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Tank Size | 40 to 100 gallons |
| Family | Emydidae | UVB Lighting | Needed |
| Common Name | Red-eared terrapin, red-eared slider turtle, red-eared turtle | Food | Krill, shrimp, incest, snails, fish, Commercial turtle food |
| Adult Size | 6 to 12 inches | Ambient Temperature | 75 to 80 F |
| Lifespan | 20 to 40 years | Water Temperature | 75 to 84 F |
| Average Price Range | $5 to $20 | Basking Spot Temperature | 90 F |
- Eastern Box Turtle
The Eastern Box Turtle is a popular pet turtle due to its small size and colorful markings. These turtles are commonly found in the Eastern United States, and can live up to 100 years in captivity. They require a warm, moist environment with access to both water and land. Box turtles are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and vegetables.
It’s important to provide them with a varied diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. Box turtles are also known for their hibernation habits, and it’s important to provide them with a suitable place to hibernate during the winter months.
| Quick Facts | Care Requirements | ||
| Experience Level | Beginner | Tank Size | 20 to 50 gallons |
| Family | Emydidae | Outdoor enclosure size | 4 x 4 ft |
| Common Names | Eastern box turtle, Common box turtle | Food | Live insects and vegetables |
| Adult Size | 4.33 to 7 inches | UVB Lighting | Needed |
| Lifespan | 40 to 100 years | Temperature Range | 75 to 80 F |
| Average Price Range | $150 to $400 | Basking Spot Temperature | 95 F |
- Painted Turtle
The painted turtle is a popular choice for beginners in the world of pet turtles. With four different subspecies, they can be found all over North America, with each subspecies named after their geographical location. These vibrant reptiles are easy to care for, and although they require commitment as they can live up to 55 years, they make for fun and beautiful pets.
Their diet is easy to manage, as they accept commercially made turtle food, providing them with all the necessary nutrients, including vitamin D3. Painted turtles grow to be about 6 to 8 inches long, making them an ideal pet for those who want a manageable-sized turtle.
| Quick Facts | Care Requirements | ||
| Experience Level | Beginners | Tank Size | 15 to 20-gallon |
| Family | Emydidae | UVB Lighting | Needed |
| Common Names | Painted turtle, skilpot | Food | Commercial turtle food, insects and vegetables |
| Adult Size | 6 to 8 inches | Temperature Range | 75 to 85 F |
| Lifespan | 25 to 30 years | Water temperature | 75 F |
| Average Price Range | $29 to $80 | Basking Spot Temperature | 95 F |
- False Map Turtle
The False Map Turtle is a semi-aquatic turtle that is sometimes kept as a pet. They are native to North America and are commonly found in rivers and streams. These turtles require a large and spacious enclosure with access to both water and land. False map turtles are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including insects, fish, and vegetation. They also require a basking area under a heat lamp to regulate their body temperature.
False map turtles can be skittish and require gentle handling. As with all pets, it’s important to research and understand the care requirements before bringing this turtle into your home. It’s also important to note that some states may have regulations on keeping false map turtles as pets.
| Quick Facts | Care Requirements | ||
| Experience Level | Beginner | Tank Size | 25 to 100 gallons |
| Family | Emydidae | UVB Lighting | Needed |
| Common Names | False map turtle | Water temperature | 75 F |
| Adult Size | 4 to 10 inches | Temperature Range | 80 to 85 F |
| Lifespan | 30 to 50 years | Basking Spot Temperature | 85 to 90 F |
| Price Range | $5 to $50 | Food | Aquatic turtle food, insects and vegetables |
- African Aquatic Sideneck Turtle
The African sideneck turtle is a cute and unique-looking turtle with a smiling face. They grow to a length of 7 to 12 inches and live for about 30 years. Although they aren’t that big, they still require a large tank to be comfortable. Their diet is different from other turtles as they can eat meat such as cooked chicken, beef heart, and fish.
As an adult, they prefer to eat a lot of leafy green vegetables and commercial turtle food is also a good option. The African sideneck turtle is easy to care for and doesn’t hibernate like American turtles, remaining active all year round. They are also known for their shy nature and may require some time to acclimate to their new environment.
| Quick Facts | Care Requirements | ||
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Tank Size | 40 gallons |
| Family | Pelomedusidae | UVB Lighting | Needed |
| Adult Size | 7 to 11 inches | Temperature Range | 80 – 85 F |
| Lifespan | 25 to 50 years | Water temperature | 75 F |
| Price Range | $30 to $50 | Basking Spot Temperature | 95 F |
| Common Names | African mud turtle, African sideneck turtle, African aquatic sideneck turtle | Food | Fish, chicken, snails, and greens, commercial turtle food |
- Razor-Backed Musk Turtles
Razor-backed musk turtles are the largest among musk turtles, but they are still quite small, only reaching about 6 inches in length. They have a varied diet consisting of snails, fish, bloodworms, and mealworms, but they can also eat commercially made aquatic turtle diets like Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Diet. These turtles typically live to be around 20 years old, which is a moderate lifespan for a turtle.
Razor-backed musk turtles do not require large aquariums, but a tank of around 30 gallons would provide more comfort and ensure that the turtle is not stressed. Feeding them is simple, as they readily accept conventional turtle food and leafy greens in their diet.
They are also known for their strong musky odor, which can be unpleasant for some pet owners. Razor-Backed Musk Turtles are generally shy and may require some time to acclimate to their new environment. This turtle can be aggressive towards other turtles and may require a separate enclosure.
| Quick Facts | Care Requirements | ||
| Experience Level | Beginners | Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Family | Kinosternidae | UVB Lighting | Needed |
| Adult Size | 6 inches | Water temperature | 73 to 78 F |
| Lifespan | 20 years | Temperature Range | 75 to 85 F |
| Price Range | $35 to $100 | Basking temperature | 90 F |
| Common Names | Razor-backed musk turtle | Food | Crustaceans, fish, bloodworm, and insects, commercial aquatic turtle diet |
- Mississippi Map Turtle
The Mississippi Map Turtle is a semi-aquatic turtle that is native to the Mississippi River and its surrounding tributaries. These turtles are named for the intricate map-like pattern on their shells. These turtles require a spacious tank with both water and land areas, and a basking area with a heat lamp to regulate their body temperature.
They are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including insects, fish, vegetation and common commercial food. Mississippi map turtles are active swimmers and enjoy having plenty of space to explore. They are generally friendly and enjoy interaction with their owners. It’s important to note that some states may have regulations on keeping mississippi map turtles as pets.
| Quick Facts | Care Requirements | ||
| Experience Level | Beginner | Tank Size | 25 to 100 gallons |
| Family | Emydidae | UVB Lighting | Needed |
| Common Name | Sawback | Water Temperature | 75 °F |
| Adult Size | 5 to 10 inches | Temperature Range | 80 to 85 °F |
| Lifespan | 30 years | Basking Temperature | 85 to 90 °F |
| Average Price Range | $20 – $40 | Food | Commercial aquatic turtle food, insects and vegetables |
- Common Musk Turtle
The Common Musk Turtle, also known as the Stinkpot, is a small semi-aquatic turtle that is sometimes kept as a pet. These turtles are native to North America and are known for their distinctive musky odor. These turtles require a tank with both water and land areas, and a basking area with a heat lamp to regulate their body temperature.
They are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including Crustaceans, fish, bloodworm, insects and commercial aquatic turtle diet. Common Musk Turtles are generally shy and may require some time to acquire their new environment.
| Quick Facts | Care Requirements | ||
| Experience Level | Beginner | Tank Size | 30 to 50 gallons |
| Family | Kinosternidae | UVB Lighting | Needed |
| Lifespan | 30 to 50 years | Water Temperature | 75 to 80 °F |
| Adult Size | 3 to 5 inches | Temperature Range | 75 to 85 °F |
| Price Range | $30 to $50 | Basking Temperature | 90 °F |
| Common Names | Eastern musk turtle, Stinkpot, Common Musk turtle | Food | Crustaceans, fish, bloodworm, and insects |
- Peninsula Cooter
The Peninsula Cooter is a type of river cooter turtle that is found exclusively in the Florida peninsula. Its name comes from its location and habitat. This species is quite large, with some individuals growing up to 16 inches long and weighing as much as 35 pounds. The typical size for these turtles, however, is between 9 and 13 inches in length, and they can weigh anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds.
Peninsula Cooters have dark carapaces with yellow lines and a relatively plain plastron compared to other similar species. They are mainly herbivorous and feed on plants, but hatchlings and juveniles may also consume some protein-rich foods such as fish and insects. Peninsula Cooters are easy to care for but need plenty of room, so a spacious tank is a must for their well-being.
| Quick Facts | Care Requirements | ||
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Tank Size | 75 to 100 gallons |
| Family | Emydidae | UVB Lighting | Needed |
| Common Name | Peninsula Cooter | Ambient Temperature | 80 °F |
| Adult Size | 9 to 13 inches | Water Temperature | 75 to 80 °F |
| Lifespan | 30 years | Basking Spot Temperature | 85 to 90 °F |
| Average Price Range | $25 to $50 | Food | Leafy greens, edible aquatic plants, insects, mice, and fish |
Conclusion
There are various types of pet turtles available that are great for beginners or experienced turtle keepers. Each species has unique characteristics and requirements, so it is essential to research and choose the best pet turtle that suits your lifestyle and abilities.
Factors to consider when choosing a pet turtle include their size, diet, lifespan, and tank requirements. Proper care and attention will ensure that your pet turtle lives a long and healthy life.
