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Description
Three-striped Mud Turtle
Scientific Name: Kinosternon baurii
Common Name: Three-striped Mud Turtle, Striped Mud Turtle
Species Overview
Size: Males typically reach 3.5 to 4 inches (9 to 10 cm), while females grow larger at 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm).
Appearance: The Three-striped Mud Turtle is recognised for the three pale yellow to cream longitudinal stripes running down its dark brown or nearly black carapace. The shell is smooth, oval, and moderately domed, with the stripes becoming less distinct in older individuals. The head is dark with fine yellow striping or mottling, and the plastron is pale yellow to tan with variable darker seams. Like other mud turtles, it has a hinged plastron that allows partial closure. Males have longer, thicker tails and slightly larger heads, while females are broader and heavier-bodied.
Distribution: Found in the southeastern United States, primarily in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, with isolated populations in nearby regions.
Habitat: This species inhabits shallow freshwater environments including ponds, ditches, swamps, ephemeral pools, and slow-moving creeks. It prefers muddy or sandy bottoms with dense vegetation and shallow resting areas. In captivity, they thrive in moderately shallow aquatic setups with plenty of structure.
Behaviour: Three-striped Mud Turtles are bottom-walkers rather than strong open-water swimmers. They are diurnal to crepuscular, shy at first but often become bold feeders. They spend much of their time exploring substrate, hiding beneath debris, or grazing on small invertebrates. They bask occasionally.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide an aquatic enclosure with a minimum footprint of 36 × 18 inches (90 × 45 cm) for one adult. Include shallow to moderate water depth, submerged logs, rock caves, leaf litter, and resting ledges. Add a secure, fully dry basking platform and ensure the enclosure offers a combination of open swimming space and dense cover. Filtration should be strong but gentle.
Temperature and Humidity:
Water temperature: 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C)
Basking area: 88 to 92°F (31 to 33°C)
Ambient air temperature: 78 to 84°F (26 to 29°C)
Lighting: Provide full-spectrum lighting with 10–12% UVB to support shell integrity and metabolic function. Ensure the basking zone is warm, dry, and easily accessed.
Diet: Offer a varied omnivorous diet including insects, worms, snails, aquatic invertebrates, high-quality turtle pellets, small fish, leafy greens, and aquatic plants. Juveniles need higher protein levels, while adults benefit from a balanced mix with increased plant matter.
Behaviour in Captivity: Three-striped Mud Turtles adapt well to structured environments and often become inquisitive toward keepers. They enjoy burrowing into soft substrate, hiding under structure, and exploring shallow water zones. They are hardy and personable when kept in clean, well-maintained conditions.
Special Considerations
• Avoid deep water without resting ledges—this species is a bottom-walker.
• Provide multiple hiding areas both underwater and at the surface.
• Maintain strong but low-flow filtration.
• Juveniles require higher protein intake.
Taxonomy Note
Kinosternon baurii is closely related to other North American mud turtles and is one of the most recognisable species in the genus due to its distinctive three-stripe pattern.
Genetics Note
There are no recognised morphs for the Three-striped Mud Turtle. Variations in stripe clarity, shell shade, and head markings occur naturally between individuals and populations.
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