Species Detail
Arizona Mud Turtle
Turtles & Tortoises

Arizona Mud Turtle

Kinosternon arizonense

Habitat

Small ponds and desert streams.

Range

Arizona and northwestern Mexico.

Adult Size

Up to 7 in (Up to 17 cm)

Diet

Insects and aquatic vegetation

Find on MorphMarket
Conservation status:Near Threatened

Recommended Tank Sizes

Enclosure size guidance by life stage for Arizona Mud Turtle. General guidelines โ€” always research species-specific requirements and size up whenever possible.

Baby

20 gal long (76 L), 30" ร— 12" (76 ร— 30 cm)

Juvenile

40 gal breeder (151 L), 36" ร— 18" (91 ร— 46 cm)

Sub-Adult

55โ€“75 gal (208โ€“284 L), 48" ร— 18" (122 ร— 46 cm)

Adult

75โ€“125 gal (284โ€“473 L), 48" ร— 24" or larger (122 ร— 61 cm or larger, depending on species)

Orientation: Semi-aquatic (divided land/water). As a rule of thumb, the enclosure length should be at least 2ร— the reptile's adult length, and width at least 1ร—.

Ferguson Zone & UVB

The Ferguson Zone system categorizes reptiles by their natural UVB exposure needs, guiding lighting choices.

Zone 2 โ€” Occasional Basker

Semi-aquatic species bask intermittently near water. Provide low-to-moderate UVB (5โ€“6% T5) over the basking/dry area, with easy access to a clean water section.

Zone 1

Crepuscular / Shade

Zone 2

Occasional Basker

Zone 3

Open Sun Basker

Zone 4

Full Sun Lover

Temperature Gradient

basking surface

88โ€“95ยฐF (31โ€“35ยฐC)

warm ambient

78โ€“85ยฐF (26โ€“29ยฐC)

water

75โ€“80ยฐF (24โ€“27ยฐC)

Humidity

70โ€“90%

Lighting & Photoperiod

5โ€“6% T5 HO UVB over the basking area. Halogen basking bulb above the dry dock. Aquatic LED for the water section. 10โ€“12 hr photoperiod.

Heating

Basking bulb over dry land area. Submersible aquarium heater for the water section. Water filtration is essential.

Decor & Furnishings

  • โ€ขLarge dry dock or ramp for basking
  • โ€ขSubmersible or canister water filter
  • โ€ขAquatic plants (Anubias, Java Fern, Duckweed)
  • โ€ขCork bark or stone land area
  • โ€ขDriftwood for climbing and basking

Setup Notes

Water quality is critical โ€” use a quality filter and perform regular water changes. Ensure the water is deep enough for full submersion but with an easy exit ramp. Basking area must be fully dry and warm.