- Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)
- Pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)
- Three-toed tortoise (Terrapene carolina triunguis)
- Tunisian tortoise (Testudo graeca nabeulensis)
- Black-button turtle (Graptemys nigrinoda nigrinoda)
- Letter turtle (Trachemys scripta troostii)
- Musk tortoise (Sternotherus odoratus)
- Important tips for keeping
Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)
The Egyptian tortoise is one of the smallest tortoise species and only reaches a maximum length of around 10 centimetres. It is known for its shy nature and requires a warm, dry terrarium that provides it with plenty of sunlight or appropriate UV light. This species prefers a sand and clay mixture as a substrate, which allows it to retreat and hide. It is important that its terrarium is not too humid as it prefers dry conditions. Their care can be somewhat more demanding as they are sensitive to changes in their environment. The Egyptian tortoise is more suitable for experienced tortoise keepers who can fulfil its special needs.
Pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)
The pancake tortoise is particularly interesting because of its flat shell, which enables it to hide in narrow crevices. This species grows up to 15 centimetres long and lives naturally in rocky areas of East Africa. In the terrarium, it requires a similarly designed environment with plenty of hiding places and climbing opportunities. A substrate of sand and gravel supports its natural behaviour and its preference for burrowing. The pancake tortoise is relatively easy to care for, but requires good lighting and a controlled temperature. Its unusual shape and interesting behaviour make it an excellent choice for tortoise lovers looking for something unusual.
Three-toed tortoise (Terrapene carolina triunguis)
The three-toed tortoise is a member of the box turtle family and remains fairly small, measuring around 12-15 centimetres in length. It prefers a terrarium that is half dry and half moist, with a mixture of soil and foliage. This tortoise is known for its ability to retreat completely into its shell, which offers it protection in the event of threats. Your terrarium should also provide sufficient hiding places and climbing materials to keep them active and healthy.
Tunisian tortoise (Testudo graeca nabeulensis)
The Tunisian tortoise is a small but very hardy species that is well suited to keeping in a terrarium. It originally comes from the dry regions of Tunisia and other parts of North Africa. This tortoise reaches a length of around 11 to 14 centimetres and prefers a dry climate, which makes it necessary to design its terrarium with heat lamps and a dry substrate. It is known for its beautiful carapace pattern, which makes it particularly attractive. The Tunisian tortoise needs sufficient space to explore and hide, which is essential for its well-being. The species is relatively easy to care for as long as its need for warmth and UV light is met. It is considered resistant to disease, but requires a calcium-rich diet to prevent carapace deformities. Its gentle nature makes it a favourite pet for experienced turtle keepers.
Black-button turtle (Graptemys nigrinoda nigrinoda)
Native to the river basins of south-eastern America, the black-buttoned humpback turtle is an aquatic turtle known for its lively and inquisitive behaviour. It reaches a maximum length of around 12 to 18 centimetres and is therefore ideal for keeping in a spacious aquarium. This species requires an aquatic environment with clean, filtered water and areas for basking. The Black-backed Humpback Turtle is particularly active and can often be seen swimming or exploring its territory. It requires a varied diet consisting of insects, fish and special turtle food to ensure its health. Keeping this turtle appropriately requires some experience in maintaining aquatic habitats, but its friendly and interactive nature makes it a fascinating pet.
Letter turtle (Trachemys scripta troostii)
The lettered turtle is a small to medium sized turtle found in the rivers and lakes of the USA. With a length of up to 14 to 20 centimetres, it fits well in a larger aquarium. This species is known for its attractive carapace pattern, which is reminiscent of written letters. Like other aquatic turtles, the lettered turtle requires a combination of land and water areas in its habitat. It is an active swimmer and needs plenty of space to move around and a safe area to bask. Their diet should be varied and contain both plant and animal components to promote their health. The lettered tortoise is social and can be kept with other tortoises of the same size and species as long as there is enough space.
Musk tortoise (Sternotherus odoratus)
The musk turtle, often called the stink turtle, is a small aquatic turtle that is native to the south-eastern USA. It only reaches a size of around 10 to 15 centimetres and is known for its ability to emit a foul-smelling odour when threatened. Despite this defence mechanism, it is popular with turtle enthusiasts due to its interesting behaviour and easy-to-handle size. An aquarium for musk turtles should have a well-filtered water area and plenty of hiding places, as they are rather shy. This species is nocturnal and spends a lot of time hiding underwater. Their diet consists mainly of small aquatic animals and plants. Although it is relatively easy to keep, the musk turtle requires careful water care and regular cleaning of its habitat.
Important tips for keeping
Before acquiring a turtle, it is important to obtain comprehensive information about its specific needs and the legal requirements. Many turtle species are protected by international agreements. In addition, turtles are a long-term commitment and can live to a very old age if cared for properly. With careful care and a well-designed terrarium or aquarium, these small reptiles can lead a healthy and happy life.
- malacochersus tornieri
- pancake tortoise
- Egyptian Tortoise
- Testudo kleinmanni
- Three-toed Box Turtle
- Terrapene carolina triunguis
- Tunisian Tortoise
- Testudo graeca nabeulensis
- Black-knobbed Map Turtle
- Graptemys nigrinoda nigrinoda
- Hieroglyphic River Cooter
- Trachemys scripta troostii
- Musk Turtle
- Sternotherus odoratus