Description musk turtle, rock photo, characteristics
Sternotherus – a breed of small turtles that live in freshwater reservoirs.
Meet the reptile can be in North America. The maximum length of the trunk turtle – twelve centimeters. These tiny animals have very simple house. Body Colour – black. Carapace as dark, at the top there are small specks of light sandy shades. The legs are long, but thin. Between the claws are arranged webs that resemble flippers. With their help the animal swims. On land, in water sternotherus move slowly. In case of danger, deter enemies unpleasant odor.
The last two years sternotherus become extremely popular. Due to its endurance, ease of maintenance, the small size of the breed reptiles are increasingly bought as pets. The only negative – a sharp, unpleasant smell that turtles use as a defense. Fortunately, captive turtles aggressiveness eventually disappears, they become calm, friendly, so the “protection” is not used. Animals will not smell quite at home. Musk turtles do not need a huge area. It would be enough for a small aquarium with water. Like any other breed turtles, these reptiles need the same water, land. If the animal is at all times be under the water, it just suffocate, drown. Therefore it is necessary to build an aquarium with access to the beach. This may be a small rise, strewn with sand, peat. It is important that sand did not get into the water. You can also put a big stone, where turtle can bask. Over land, put a lamp with ultraviolet rays. It will warm your pet.
Eat sternotherus in the wild worms, snails, clams, tiny fish. They also eat algae and other plants. At home, this reptile rock conditions feed special food that you can buy at the pet store. Be sure to fertilize, snails, fish, worms. You can give a boiled egg, vegetables, fruit. It is allowed to sit on the bottom of the seaweed. They will be an additional food for your pet.
Cleaning in the terrarium is recommended once every two days. If the bug – not the only inhabitants of the aquarium – get out more often. The water is desirable to pour defend. To facilitate the cleaning, use a special hose that will suck the debris.
The first time the bug may be afraid of you, do not take food. Over time, the animal gets used to you. It is important not to frighten her. So the first time, try not to take the reptile in his hands.