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Cohabitating different breeds

PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 2:06 pm
by discordian
I have a Musk Turtle (Stinkpot). He is 2-3 years old, and his shell is about 3 inches long. I'm in the process of moving him from his 20 gallon tank to a more luxurious 55. My girlfriend's sister has a Red Ear Slider that she wants to get rid of. She is about 7 years old, approximately 6 inches long. I've compared the care and housing requirements and they are very similar other than water depth preference, which I plan to account for and build in a multi-level floor and perhaps get a larger tank to accommodate the RES. However, I'm curious about putting both of these turtles into the same tank. Does any body here know how well either or both of these breeds work with other breeds of turtles?

PostPosted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 2:12 pm
by N4784N R4613
The musk is too small to live with a RES. RES are more aggressive then musk turtles, and if they where to get into a fight, the RES could do some real damage, if not kill your musk. :( I would not try to house them together. :(

PostPosted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:00 am
by FLhaven4strays
I'd think the size difference would be too much of a risk...and yes, the RES is a much more aggressive species as a rule.

I think the size of their environment is a factor too...I don't believe your 55 gal wouldn't be large enough for the 2. 90 gal would be recommended even if there was no issue w/ size or species traits....and you have to think about growth, too. Less room = more fighting.

I do have a cooter & RES together & haven't seen problems, but their pond is 130 gal w/ plenty of land area around it & they've been together since they were very small & the same size. I wouldn't want to try putting your 2 together.