Mississippi musk turtles tend to eat animals, and they like to eat small fish and shrimp, and can eat compound feed in artificial breeding.

Mississippi musk turtle usually crawls or swims underwater, and is mainly aquatic small turtle species. It has a slightly lower temperature requirement, preferably 21-26°C. Although it is not as ferocious as the snapping turtle, some individuals will also open their mouths to demonstrate or attack suddenly. It is timid and afraid of surprises, and likes weak light and fears strong light.