Description
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Three Striped Mud Turtles for Sale – The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Aquatic Turtle
If you’re searching for a turtle that’s small, tough, and full of character, you’re looking at the Three Striped Mud Turtle — a compact, highly adaptable species that’s a fantastic choice for both beginner keepers and seasoned collectors.
Also known by its scientific name Kinosternon baurii, this little guy is native to the southeastern U.S., where it thrives in slow-moving freshwater habitats. Unlike sliders or softshells that demand massive tanks and complex care, Three Striped Mud Turtles are simple, durable, and rewarding to keep.
Here at Kingsman Exotic Reptiles, we’ve got Three Striped Mud Turtles for sale that are captive-bred, healthy, and eating like champs. Whether you’re setting up a desktop aquascape or building a low-profile outdoor tub, this turtle is the perfect match.
📌 What is a Three Striped Mud Turtle?
The Three Striped Mud Turtle gets its name from the three faint longitudinal stripes running down its smooth, domed carapace. These subtle lines give it a sleek, classy look. It’s a close cousin of the common mud turtle but with a more streamlined shape and a slightly more outgoing temperament.
Despite their small size, they’re surprisingly active, especially during feeding time, and they’re one of the easiest aquatic turtles to care for long term.
🐢 Key Traits:
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Small adult size (3–5 inches max)
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Subtle yet elegant striping
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Tolerant of cooler temps and water fluctuations
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Low-maintenance tank requirements
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Doesn’t need a huge swimming space
📊 Quick Care Summary
Feature Details Scientific Name Kinosternon baurii Common Name Three Striped Mud Turtle Adult Size 3–5 inches Lifespan 25–40 years Temperament Curious, somewhat shy, non-aggressive Diet Omnivore with strong preference for protein Best For Beginners, small enclosures, indoor setups
🐣 Sizes Available Now
We typically have Three Striped Mud Turtles for sale in these sizes:
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Hatchlings: 1.5–2 inches – great starter option
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Juveniles: 2.5–4 inches – well started, easy transition to any tank
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Adults (occasionally): 4+ inches – perfect for display or breeding
All of our mud turtles are captive bred, never wild-caught. That means healthier animals, lower parasite risk, and animals that are already adapted to aquarium life.
🧠 Behavior & Temperament
These turtles are docile, low-key, and easy to observe. They spend much of their time either foraging on the bottom or quietly resting in shallow water. Unlike more aggressive species, they typically don’t bite or stress easily, making them great for beginner keepers.
They can be a little shy at first but will start to interact more as they recognize feeding routines.
💡 Fun Fact: They sometimes walk more than swim, preferring to explore the tank floor rather than paddling around all day.
🏡 Habitat Setup – Simple Yet Effective
The biggest perk of Three Striped Mud Turtles? They don’t need a huge tank. You can easily house a juvenile or even adult in a 20–40 gallon setup, though bigger is always better if you want to add aquascaping.
✅ Enclosure Tips:
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Tank Size:
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Hatchlings: 15–20 gallons
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Adults: 40 gallons minimum
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Water Depth: Shallow is okay (8–10 inches) with areas to rest
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Basking Area: Yes! UVB + heat required
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Substrate: Sand, river rock, or bare bottom
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Filtration: Medium power HOB or canister
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Lighting:
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UVB: Essential for shell and bone health
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Basking Spot: 88–92°F
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Water Temp: 75–78°F
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Add driftwood, smooth stones, and plants for hiding spots. They appreciate cover and will explore more when they feel secure.
🥩 What Do They Eat?
Three Striped Mud Turtles are opportunistic feeders. In the wild, they eat everything from snails to worms to plant matter. In captivity, they thrive on a varied and protein-rich diet.
Favorite Foods:
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Mazuri or Reptomin Turtle Pellets
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Earthworms, bloodworms, black soldier fly larvae
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Chopped fish or raw shrimp
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Duckweed and aquatic plants (especially as they age)
Feed juveniles daily. Adults can eat 3–4 times a week. Always remove uneaten food to keep water clean.
💡 Feeding Pro Tip: They love to eat in shallow water trays. You can train them to eat in a separate container for easier cleanup.
🚚 Shipping, Guarantee & Support
Every Three Striped Mud Turtle for sale at Kingsman Exotic Reptiles comes with:
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✅ Live Arrival Guarantee
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✅ Overnight FedEx Priority Shipping
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✅ 7-Day Health Guarantee
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✅ Expert support from real keepers
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✅ Weather-safe packing based on your location
We don’t ship unless it’s safe for the animal. Every box is insulated, heat- or cold-packed based on your region and weather forecast.
🥇 Why Choose Kingsman Exotic Reptiles?
We’ve built our reputation on quality animals, honest practices, and customer-first service. When you buy from us, you’re buying from real reptile lovers who treat every turtle like it’s going to our own tank.
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🚫 No wild-caught stock
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🧬 Healthy genetics & captive bred only
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📦 Fast, safe shipping
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💬 Real care advice – even after your order
🛒 Order Your Three Striped Mud Turtle Today
This species sells fast thanks to its manageable size, friendly temperament, and simple care. Whether you’re a first-timer or a serious collector looking to fill out a North American turtle setup, this little mud turtle is a no-brainer.
👉 Click “Add to Cart” now to reserve your Three Striped Mud Turtle for sale — stock is limited and seasonal!
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