tortoise food and care information
Hingeback Tortoise - Home's
The Home's Hingeback Tortoise is distinguished from other Hingeback Tortoises by its shell, which is quite angular and comes to an abrupt end at the back. The Home's Hingeback Tortoise's shell is brown and its head is a lighter shade. The name "Hingeback Tortoise" comes from the hinge about three qu
Hingeback Tortoise - Bell's
The Bells Hingback Tortoise gets its name from their hinged shell that can close over their back legs when they feel they are in danger, and then they are more fully protected. They can reach a length of about 8.5 inches and a weight of a little over 4 pounds. Their carapace is grayish brown with ta
Hermann's Tortoise
Hermann's Tortoises are moderately sized, with the carapace (top of shell) length averaging around 8 inches. Their upper jaw is hooked, like many tortoises, and their snout does not protrude. The Hermann's Tortoise's shell is yellow, orange, olive, or dark brown in color and somewhat domed on top. S
Greek Spur Thighed Tortoise
There are five different subspecies of the Greek Spur Thighed Tortoise. Females are slightly larger than males, with an average size of about 8 inches (20 cm). Males average around 7 inches (18 cm). The largest female known grew to 11.4 inches (29 cm). Greek Spur Thighed Tortoises have a central are
Gopher Tortoise
Gopher Tortoises range between 6 and 15 inches in length. They are not fully mature until between 16 and 21 years of age and usually continue growing until they die. The Gopher Tortoise has a life span of up to forty years or more. Male Gopher Tortoises can be distinguished from females by the prese
Galapagos Tortoise
The Galapagos Tortoise can measure up to six feet from head to foot and weigh as much as 600 pounds. Female Galapagos Tortoises are generally a little bit smaller than their male counterparts, but they are no less impressive. This land giant moves at a speed of only 0.16 miles per hour, not surprisi
Forsten's Tortoise
Forsten's Tortoises are quite similar in appearance to Elongated Tortoises. However, most, though not all, Forsten's Tortoises do not have a nuchal scute. Also, there tends to be less black coloration on the plastron of Forsten's Tortoises than on those of Elongated Tortoises. Their carapaces are el
Elongated Tortoise
The Elongated Tortoise is a moderately sized tortoise that can reach up to one foot in length. Their name derives from the long, narrow carapace that is usually a yellow-brown shade. The carapace often has black markings on the sides. The male's plastron is concave and they have longer shells than f
Egyptian Tortoise
One of the smallest species of tortoises, female Egyptian Tortoises rarely exceed five inches and males are usually four inches or less in carapace length. Males can be distinguished from females by the longer tails and smaller size.
Desert Tortoise
The Desert Tortoise ranges between 9.25 and 14.5 inches in length. The hatchlings are significantly smaller, usually about the size of a silver dollar.