Peacockbass
Aquarium Advice Activist
Does anyone know of any fully aquatic turtles that don't get big
Does anyone know of any fully aquatic turtles that don't get big
There aren't technically any fully aquatic turtles. Some may spend more time in the water than others and hardly bask, but all of the eventually need to spend some amount of time on dry land. Mud/musk turtles stay pretty small, as well as Maps, Painteds, and the Spotted turtle. Your best bet is to also go for a male, they are typically the smallest of most turtle species. What size tank are we talking here? Any why are you against semi aquatic? It's not that difficult to setup a basking area if you'd like some advice? I've had an RES for 7 years.
I fail to see how this is cichlid related but the only one I know of is a Fly River Turtle,
And if I'm not mistaken, those get huge
Mata Mata? They should have an area where they can rest at the surface, but don't have to come completely out of it. Also, they can't eat large fish whole, only what will fit in their mouths from what I've been told from a friend about them. All depends on your tank size, but it's probably the best option.
They're also at minimum of $350 not a cheap turtle by any means
Very true, but it is an option if the OP wanted to spend that kind of money lol