I am an experienced aquarium keeper with a deep interest and love for keeping turtles, freshwater fish, and saltwater fish. My knowledge and experience are particularly rich in feeding habits, habitats, and creating the right environment for different species of turtles. With many years of experience, I have become well-versed in the proper diet, water quality, temperature, and other aspects of care for different species of turtles. For that, I know the Best Turtle for Aquarium.
There are many types of turtles, but not all turtles can be kept in aquariums. In my opinion, some turtles that can be kept in aquariums and are easy to care for are listed to help newbies easily choose suitable turtles for aquarium keeping.
1. Albino Yellow Bellied Slider
• Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta scripta
• Common Names: Yellow-bellied terrapin, Yellow-bellied slider
• Family: Emydidae
• Origin: US
• Adult Male Size: Up to 9 inches
• Adult Female Size: Up to 13 inches
• Water: Freshwater turtle
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Behavior: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 110 gallons
• Water Temperature: 73°F – 80°F
• Ambient Temperature: 75°F – 83°F
• Basking Spot Temperature: 90°F – 95°F
• Average Lifespan: 30 to 40 years
2. Albino Pink Belly Side Neck Turtles
• Scientific Name: Emydura subglobosa
• Common Names: Jardine River turtle, Red-bellied short-necked turtle
• Family: Chelidae
• Origin: Australia and Papua New Guinea
• Adult Male Size: 5.5 to 7 inches
• Adult Female Size: 12 to 16 inches
• Water: Freshwater turtle
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Behavior: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 – 100 gallons
• Water Temperature: 75°F – 80°F
• Ambient Temperature: 75°F – 83°F
• Basking Spot Temperature: 90°F – 95°F
• Average Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
3. Razor-Backed Musk Turtle
• Scientific Name: Sternotherus carinatus
• Common Names: Razor-backed Musk Turtle
• Family: Kinosternidae
• Origin: United States
• Adult Male Size: 5-6 inches
• Adult Female Size: Up to 15 cm
• Water: Freshwater turtle
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Behavior: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 29-38 gallons
• Water Temperature: 74°F – 80°F
• Ambient Temperature: 75°F – 82°F
• Basking Spot Temperature: 82°F – 90°F
• Average Lifespan: 30 – 55 years
4. Painted Turtle
• Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta
• Common Names: Eastern Painted Turtle
• Family: Emydidae
• Origin: United States
• Adult Male Size: 5-7 inches
• Adult Female Size: Up to 12 inches
• Water: Freshwater turtle
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Behavior: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
• Water Temperature: 75°F – 80°F
• Ambient Temperature: 75°F – 80°F
• Basking Spot Temperature: 90°F – 95°F
• Average Lifespan: 40 years
5. Peninsula Cooter
• Scientific Name: Pseudemys peninsularis
• Common Names: Florida Cooter, Peninsula Cooter
• Family: Emydidae
• Origin: Florida Peninsula
• Adult Male Size: 9-15 inches
• Adult Female Size: 9-13 inches
• Water: Freshwater
• Diet: Aquatic foods, meat products, and live food
• Behavior: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
• Water Temperature: 72°F – 77°F
• Ambient Temperature: 75°F – 80°F
• Basking Spot Temperature: 75°F – 80°F
• Average Lifespan: 28 to 30 years
6. Mississippi Map Turtle
• Scientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni
• Common Names: Mississippi Map Turtle
• Family: Emydidae
• Origin: North America
• Adult Male Size: 5-6 inches
• Adult Female Size: 8-10 inches
• Water: Freshwater
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Behavior: Timid
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
• Water Temperature: 72°F – 77°F
• Ambient Temperature: 80°F – 85°F
• Basking Spot Temperature: 86°F – 90°F
• Average Lifespan: 20 – 30 years
7. Diamondback Terrapin
• Scientific Name: Malaclemys terrapin
• Common Names: Diamondback Terrapin
• Family: Emydidae
• Origin: United States, Mexico Coast
• Adult Male Size: 5.5 inches
• Adult Female Size: 6-9 inches
• Water: Freshwater
• Diet: Carnivorous
• Behavior: Peaceful
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Minimum Tank Size: 55-75 gallons
• Water Temperature: 80°F – 85°F
• Ambient Temperature: 76°F – 78°F
• Basking Spot Temperature: 75°F – 78°F
• Average Lifespan: Up to 40 years
8. Sunburst Albino Red-Eared Slider
• Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
• Common Names: Red-eared Terrapin
• Family: Emydidae
• Origin: USA
• Adult Male Size: 5 to 11 inches
• Adult Female Size: 12-13 inches
• Water: Freshwater
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Behavior: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 120+ gallons
• Water Temperature: 75°F – 85°F
• Ambient Temperature: 70°F – 85°F
• Basking Spot Temperature: 85°F – 90°F
• Average Lifespan: 20 – 40 years
9. African Sideneck
• Scientific Name: Pelusios spp.
• Common Names: West African Mud Turtle
• Family: Pelomedusidae
• Origin: Africa
• Adult Male Size: 7-12 inches
• Adult Female Size: 7-12 inches
• Water: Freshwater
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Behavior: Peaceful
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
• Water Temperature: 75°F – 80°F
• Ambient Temperature: 75°F – 85°F
• Basking Spot Temperature: 93°F – 95°F
• Average Lifespan: 25 to 50 years
10. Eastern Box Turtle
• Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina carolina
• Common Names: Eastern Box Turtle, Land Turtle
• Family: Emydidae
• Origin: United States
• Adult Male Size: 4-6 inches
• Adult Female Size: 5-7 inches
• Water: Freshwater
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Behavior: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Tank Size: 60-70 gallons
• Water Temperature: 74°F – 80°F
• Ambient Temperature: 84°F – 88°F
• Basking Spot Temperature: 82°F – 90°F
• Average Lifespan: 40 to 50 years
