What Do Small Fresh Water Turtles Eat?

Freshwater habitats, such as lakes and rivers, offer abundant food options for turtles. Most turtles are omnivorous, meaning they eat both meat and plants. Turtles do not possess teeth, but their mouths have sharp edges to help them grind their food. Small turtles can take advantage of their quickness and ability to hide in mud or dense aquatic plants. Turtles in freshwater habitats seek shelter on dry land when temperatures drop in the winter.
  1. Mud and Musk Turtles

    • Mud turtles and musk turtles belong to the Kinosternidae family of reptiles. Mud turtles and musk turtles are opportunistic, omnivorous animals. Fish, insects, worms and vegetation are part of their diets. Most mud turtles and musk turtles are less than one foot long.

    Asian River Turtles

    • The turtle family Geoemydidae represents over 50 freshwater turtle species native to Eurasia, Central America and South America. Asian river turtles make up most of the species in this family, but Geoemydidae also includes Asian box turtles, Asian leaf turtles and roofed turtles. Most Geoemydidae turtles are herbivorous and dine on aquatic vegetation. Some species, such as the spiny turtle, are omnivorous. Most Geoemydidae turtles grow to between six and 12 inches.

    Softshell Turtles

    • Softshell turtles have shells with leathery textures, as opposed to other turtles with bony carapaces. Rivers are the primary habitats of softshell turtles, but these reptiles also live in large lakes. Females grow up to 18 inches long, while males only reach lengths of nine inches. Both species are omnivorous, eating a diet of aquatic vegetation, crustaceans, insects and small fish.

    Pig-nosed Turtles

    • Also known as the Fly River turtle, the pig-nosed turtle is endemic to New Guinea and is the only turtle in the Carettochelyidae reptile family. Pig-nosed turtles eat berries from shoreline trees, vegetation, insects, crustaceans and fish carrion (dead fish remains). These turtles are usually less than two feet long.

    Box and Pond Turtles

    • The Emydidae family of reptiles includes box and pond turtles. This family includes 95 species of turtles such as the pond slider, big-headed turtle and box turtles. Box and pond turtle species are either strictly herbivores or strictly carnivores. Most Emydidae turtles are carnivorous when they are young, but grow up as plant-eating adults. Emydidae turtles range from four inches to two feet long.

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