Red Cheek Mud Turtles for Sale

Red Cheek Mud Turtles for Sale

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  • Red Cheek Mud Turtles for Sale – Small, Hardy, and Full of Personality

    There’s a reason the Red Cheek Mud Turtle is becoming a fan favorite in the turtle-keeping world. Compact, bold, and decorated with vibrant reddish-orange cheek patches, this species (Kinosternon scorpioides cruentatum) isn’t just eye-catching — it’s also one of the hardiest and most beginner-friendly aquatic turtles out there.

    At Kingsman Exotic Reptiles, we’re proud to offer captive-bred Red Cheek Mud Turtles for sale that are healthy, eating strong, and ready to thrive in their new homes. Whether you’re just getting started with turtles or you’re building out your rare species collection, this little beast is a must-have.

    🌎 About the Red Cheek Mud Turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides cruentatum)

    The Red Cheek Mud Turtle is a Central American native — mainly found in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. These turtles are a subspecies of the Scorpion Mud Turtle, but what sets them apart is their bright red cheek markings, which pop like crazy against their dark brown or olive-colored skin and shell.

    They’re semi-aquatic, bold, and surprisingly interactive for their size. If you’re looking for a turtle that stays small, doesn’t demand massive setups, and still brings a ton of visual appeal, this is it.

    🔍 Quick Species Info

    • Scientific Name: Kinosternon scorpioides cruentatum

    • Common Names: Red Cheek Mud Turtle, Red-Cheeked Mud Turtle

    • Lifespan: 20–30 years in captivity with good care

    • Adult Size: 4 to 6 inches (males slightly smaller than females)

    • Temperament: Bold, curious, and semi-terrestrial

    🐣 Age, Size & Appearance Details

    • Available Sizes:

      • Hatchlings (2–3 months)

      • Juveniles (4–9 months)

      • Sub-adults (1–2 years)

    • Coloration:

      • Rich dark brown to blackish shells

      • Vibrant red to reddish-orange cheek markings

      • Cream to tan plastron, often with dark lines or blotches

    Their color intensifies with age — juveniles already look amazing, but adults are next-level.

    🍤 Feeding Red Cheek Mud Turtles

    These turtles are opportunistic omnivores that lean heavy on protein. In the wild, they eat insects, worms, crustaceans, and the occasional plant material. In captivity, they’re easy to feed and always hungry — just the way we like it.

    Recommended Diet:

    • Earthworms, bloodworms, and black soldier fly larvae

    • Crickets, dubia roaches, and the occasional pinkie mouse (only for adults)

    • Mazuri or ReptoMin aquatic turtle pellets

    • Fresh greens like dandelion or romaine (a few times a week)

    💡 Tip from the field: Offer food on a flat stone or in a feeding tub — it helps cut down on mess in the main tank and makes cleanup easier.

    🛖 Habitat & Tank Setup

    This species thrives in shallow water setups with land access — they love to explore, dig, and hide. They’re not deep swimmers, so your build should reflect that.

    ✅ Enclosure Requirements

    • Tank Size:

      • Juveniles: 20–30 gallons

      • Adults: 40 gallons or larger

    • Water Depth: 4–8 inches (enough to submerge and swim, but not too deep)

    • Substrate: River sand, fine gravel, or mud/soil mix (they like to burrow)

    • Temperature:

      • Water: 75–78°F

      • Basking Spot: 88–90°F

      • Ambient: 74–80°F

    • UVB Lighting: Yes — vital for shell and bone development

    • Filtration: Medium to strong — they’re not super messy, but still need clean water

    • Extras:

      • Cork bark hides

      • Aquatic plants or moss mats

      • Driftwood and logs for basking

    This is a semi-terrestrial turtle, so you’ll want to include at least one dry area or platform for basking.

    ⚡ Temperament & Behavior

    Red Cheek Mud Turtles are confident and interactive little guys. They’re not shy like some other aquatic species — in fact, they’ll often come right up to the glass when you walk in the room.

    Behavior Notes:

    • Handling: Tolerant in short sessions, but better enjoyed as a display species

    • Aggression: Males can be territorial — solo housing or lots of space is key

    • Activity Level: Moderate — they’re most active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular)

    Their mix of calm personality and vivid looks makes them perfect for both new keepers and experienced collectors.

    🚚 Safe Shipping & Health Guarantee

    All of our Red Cheek Mud Turtles for sale are:

    • Captive-bred — never wild caught

    • Health-checked before packing

    • Shipped Overnight via FedEx in insulated, climate-controlled boxes

    • Protected under our Live Arrival Guarantee and 7-Day Health Assurance

    We ship Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays and keep your turtle’s journey short and safe.

    💥 Why Kingsman Exotic Reptiles?

    Because we don’t just sell turtles — we live this lifestyle. Every turtle in our care is treated like a long-term keeper. That means:

    • 🧬 Clean genetics and ethical breeding

    • 🧼 Clean environments and strong feeding response

    • 🛠️ Expert housing advice with real-world experience

    • 📦 Fast shipping with real-time tracking

    • 🧑‍💻 Support from an actual keeper — not a chatbot

    If you want to buy from a team that knows turtles — and knows SEO 😎 — you’re in the right place.

    🛒 Grab Your Red Cheek Mud Turtle Today

    The Red Cheek Mud Turtle is a perfect blend of beauty, durability, and low-maintenance husbandry. These guys sell out fast because they’re small, vibrant, and beginner-friendly.

    Don’t sleep on this species.

    👉 Click “Add to Cart” now to lock in your Red Cheek Mud Turtle for sale and get ready to welcome one of the coolest small turtles into your life.

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