Musk egg turtles grow to 7-13 cm in adulthood, which is relatively small compared with other turtles. How big they can grow is influenced by their living environment and feeding methods. Under normal feeding, their body length is generally about 10 cm. If the food is adequate and the environment is comfortable, their body length can reach 13 cm. However, if they live in a poor environment and are not fed enough food, their size will be small, and some of them with poor physique may live less than 7 cm.

If breeders want them to grow bigger, they must ensure that they have enough living space, comfortable breeding environment and sufficient food.

The life span of musk egg turtles is generally between 15 and 25 years, which is relatively short compared with other turtles. Under normal circumstances, the life span of artificially bred musk egg turtles is about 15 years, because they have low requirements on the environment and strong resistance and immunity. As long as they are bred normally, they can live to about 15 years.

But wild musk egg turtles live longer, probably over 20 years. Because the wild musk egg turtles live in a more comfortable environment and have plenty of space, their life span will be relatively increased.