Sternotherus carinatus

Aquatic aquarium (filtered tank) with a small emersed area

Minimum base for an adult: about 90 x 45 cm (~120-150 L of usable water). Provide dense cover (roots, plants, hides) as the species is shy, along with supports (branches, cork) allowing it to reach the surface easily, and a small beach/haul-out point for occasional basking. A poor swimmer: access to the surface must be easy from any point to prevent drowning.

Aquatic species: air humidity is not a limiting factor. The absolute priority is WATER QUALITY, not ambient humidity.

Fine sand (easy to dig through) or a bare bottom (more hygienic) are recommended. Avoid medium/large and angular gravel: risk of ingestion and impaction. A soft bottom encourages the natural partial-burying behaviour.

Provide low to moderate UVB lighting (5-6 % / T5 for turtles) above the haul-out area. Even though this highly aquatic species exposes itself little, UVB combined with dietary calcium/D3 supports the health of the shell and bones. Replace the UVB source every 6-12 months.

The MOST important parameter. Dechlorinated fresh water, powerful and oversized filtration (a messy species), regular partial water changes to control nitrates. Moderate depth: the animal, a poor swimmer, must be able to reach the surface effortlessly. Avoid overly strong currents. Dirty or cold water promotes shell rot and infections.

Southeastern United States: Gulf of Mexico drainage basins (Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama). Streams, rivers, swamps and lakes with a soft bottom.

Carnivore / Molluscivore — Snails and aquatic gastropods, mussels/clams, crayfish, earthworms, insect larvae, shrimp, small fish, supplemented with quality pellets for aquatic turtles.

A varied, mostly animal-based diet; shelled molluscs help wear down the beak and provide calcium. Provide a cuttlebone ad libitum. Juveniles fed ~daily or every other day, adults 2-3 times a week. Do not overfeed (obesity).

Clutch 2–7 eggs/young. Several clutches possible per season. Provide an accessible terrestrial area/nesting site (loose, moist substrate) for the female. Artificial incubation typically ~55 to 100 days depending on temperature (approx. 25-28°C). As in other Kinosternids, incubation temperature can influence sex: maintain moderate, stable values.

• Shell rot / ulcerative dermatitis (shell rot) linked to poor-quality water
• Metabolic bone disease / soft shell from calcium, D3 or UVB deficiency
• Respiratory infections (water too cold or drafts)
• Egg retention (dystocia) in the female without a suitable nesting site
• Internal and external parasites, especially in wild-caught specimens