10 Types of Turtles That Make Great Pets

Red-Eared Slider

Red-eared sliders are one of the most popular of all aquatic turtle species. They tend to be friendlier and more sociable than some of their relatives, they're pretty active, and they're widely available.

These turtles are generally housed indoors, but with the right shelter, cleaning, and warmer temperatures, they can also do well in an outdoor pond. As they mature, it can be easier to provide them with the space they need outside.

Red-eared sliders can grow to a decent size, and their tank will need to be large and have adequate areas for basking. It will need UV lighting and a good water filtration system. These guys are known for being rather messy!

Their size, subsequent dietary needs, and larger housing requirements mean they can be more expensive to look after than some turtles. With the right care, though, they're generally a hardy and healthy species that frequently surpass 50 years of age.

African Sideneck Turtle

These unique little aquatic turtles have distinctive long necks that can't be retracted fully into their shell, and their anatomy differs from traditional water-based turtles.

Because of their unique appearance and size, they're often a popular choice, but they have more complex care requirements than some other turtles.

African sideneck turtles water needs to be kept very clean and requires weekly changing. A good filtration system, however, facilitates less frequent changing.

Despite their small size, they enjoy swimming and need a large tank, ideally at least 75-gallons. They need suitable basking platforms with UV lights for them to lie under and the temperature should never drop below 70 degrees. This is one of the reasons that they're best kept indoors.

They also need a fresh and varied diet to prevent Vitamin A and D3 deficiencies.

Sidenecks can be curious turtles that, if you don't force interactions, won't scuttle away to hide when you come to observe them.

Eastern Box Turtle

Eastern box turtles need a lot of space, but they're adaptable and, with the right housing, they can live in or outdoors.

They prefer a humid environment, need a shallow pool of water in their enclosure, a moist substrate, and they will need a UVB basking light if they're kept indoors.

If their environment is too cold and dry, it can lead to them more easily picking up respiratory infections.

These turtles can be shy, but they don't tend to be aggressive, and with the right gentle interactions and minimal handling, you can start to see their personality come out. They may even be tempted out to greet you if you have a tasty tidbit.

Western Painted Turtle

A Western painted turtle could appeal if you want a turtle that is distinctive and attractive to look at. They have detailed shell markings.

Although they aren't big, these aquatic turtles need a large tank or outdoor space, a good water filtration system and basking lights to help maintain a warm temperature. Their housing needs are similar to that of the red-eared slider.

They can be quite shy and aren't turtles that will enjoy frequent handling.

Because they like to eat while swimming, selecting food that can be easily lifted out of the water if it isn't eaten is a good choice to help keep the tank clean for longer.

Mississippi Map Turtle

Mississippi map turtles have a distinctive dorsal fin running along their shell, and this is why they're also sometimes referred to as the 'Sawback'.

They don't need quite as big enclosures as some of their aquatic turtle relatives, and this can make them an appealing choice for those with space limitations.

While they can still live up to 30 years, their lifespan is a bit shorter than average.

They can be warier of people than some other turtles, and this means they can be more prone to stress. You'll need to keep handling to a minimum and create an environment that allows them peace and places to take cover.

Map turtles tend to be quite hardy and less prone to health issues than some species. Clean water, good lighting, and an appropriate diet is still absolutely essential though to prevent fungal infections and deficiencies developing.

Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Common musk turtles are one of the more popular aquatic turtle species. They're small, and their care requirements are a little less intensive than some.

They aren't turtles that do well with a lot of handling though. They can be feisty and, if they feel threatened, they release a foul and musty odor. This is why they get their nickname: 'The Stinkpot'.

They aren't as strong swimmers as some aquatic turtles, so the water in their enclosure shouldn't be too deep. They should also have plenty of areas to get out of the water easily to bask under UVB lighting.

Spotted Turtle

If you have limited space and are looking for an aquatic turtle, the spotted turtle is one of the smallest species allowed to be kept in captivity. They're also pretty to look at with their distinctive spotted shell and, with the right housing, they can live indoors or out.

They're a long-term commitment though, with some living to be over 100 years of age!

Like musk turtles, they aren't particularly strong swimmers, so their water should not be too deep. They also need warm basking platforms and ornaments that provide them with the opportunity to get out to rest.

A good varied diet with plenty of meat, along with some leafy greens and fruit is important too.

Yellow-Bellied Slider

Yellow-bellied sliders are one of the most popular aquatic turtle species to keep as pets as they tend to be relatively hardy, providing they get the right diet, enclosure and lighting.

Unlike some turtles, they tend to be most active during the day, which appeals to a lot of owners looking to observe them.

They need a large tank or suitable outdoor enclosure as they're bigger than the likes of the Stinkpot or the spotted turtle.

Because of their popularity, they're relatively easy to come by. Just make sure you still source your yellow-bellied slider from a reputable breeder or supplier.

Reeve's Turtle

The Reeve's turtle is probably one of the most sociable of all the turtles on this list. With care and patience, they sometimes even enjoy being stroked, which is unusual for an aquatic turtle. Of course, handling can still be stressful for them, so this should only be done when needed.

Their care requirements are similar to the red-eared slider, although they're smaller and don't require such a large enclosure.

They tend to be a relatively healthy turtle, although they don't have such a long life expectancy. This may appeal to owners not looking for such a lengthy commitment.

Wood Turtle

The Wood Turtle is known for being very friendly, with the right handling and interaction, and pretty hardy. Their needs aren't as complex as most aquatic species. They do need a decent-sized enclosure though, and this means they're often best suited to being kept in an outdoor environment.

Because they aren't aquatic, they could drown in water too deep, so it's important to keep their pond area at a suitably low level.

They also need a diet that is high in protein, comprising plenty of proteins like insects, slugs, earthworms, snails, and more along with leafy greens.

These turtles aren't so easy to come by and can be illegal to keep in certain States. You should make sure you do your research and ensure you're sourcing a wood turtle from a reputable and ethical breeder.