Tortoises aren’t my primary focus. Fish are. But I get questions about reptile keeping from my audience regularly, and tortoises in particular attract a lot of first-time reptile keepers who seriously underestimate what’s involved. Here’s the thing most people gloss over: a tortoise is not a starter pet. It’s a 40-to-100-year commitment, and the majority of people who walk out of a pet store with one are not prepared for that. This guide covers 21 species, what makes each one different, and whether you should actually own one at all.
The sulcata problem is real. People buy them as palm-sized hatchlings and end up with 80-pound animals they can’t house. Cute at 4 inches (10 cm), a problem at 80 pounds (36 kg).
Key Takeaways
- Tortoises are not the same as turtles. Tortoises are terrestrial animals, which means they live on land.
- Keeping a tortoise is a very long-term commitment. Spend a few weeks on research because this pet might live over 100 years.
- Wild tortoises are in trouble all over the world. Most popular pet tortoises are threatened in their natural habitat due to collection for trade and habitat destruction.
- Never buy or keep a wild-caught tortoise. Captive-bred animals are available in the pet trade, so there’s no reason to remove animals from the wild.
- The red-eared slider is not a tortoise, but it’s the most abandoned reptile in the US. Sold tiny, grows large, people release them into waterways. It’s an invasive species problem of our own making.
EXPERT TAKE | MARK VALDERRAMA
After 25 years in the aquarium hobby I’ve seen people impulse-buy fish they couldn’t care for. Tortoises are the reptile equivalent, except the consequences last longer. A betta that doesn’t work out is a sad situation. A sulcata tortoise that outgrows your yard is a crisis. The Russian tortoise is the only species I consistently recommend to first-timers, and even then only after they’ve done at least two weeks of research and can commit to the next 40 years. Everyone else should look at their situation honestly before buying.
What Are They?
Tortoises are four-legged reptiles from the Testudinidae family with elephant-like feet and a solid shell that covers their back and belly. These animals are often confused with turtles, but tortoises are strictly terrestrial: they live on land, not in water.
Tortoises are native to North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, where they live in habitats ranging from deserts to forests. There are about 50 known species worldwide, ranging in size from just 4 inches (10 cm) to monsters like the Galapagos tortoise that weigh over 500 pounds (227 kg).
Most tortoises are herbivores, but many will include insects and other protein in their diet occasionally. Like all reptiles, they are cold-blooded and rely on the heat of the sun to stay warm and active. Many hibernate in winter and shelter underground until spring.
One of the most remarkable things about tortoises is their longevity. Some species live over 200 years. That’s not an exaggeration. It’s a biological fact that should give every prospective buyer serious pause.
What People Get Wrong About Tortoises
The biggest misconception: tortoises are low-maintenance pets. They’re not. They’re long-maintenance pets. The daily care is manageable, but the decades-long commitment is not something most people think through. The second misconception is that small species stay small. Russian tortoises top out around 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm). That’s manageable. But sulcatas are sold as hatchlings the size of a golf ball and end up the size of a coffee table. Know your adult size before you buy.
The third mistake: releasing unwanted tortoises into the wild. This is illegal for most species and ecologically destructive. The red-eared slider crisis exists because people bought small turtles, couldn’t handle adult care, and released them. Don’t be part of that problem.
Do They Make Good Pets?
For the right person, yes. Tortoises can be active, and many will walk up to you looking for food. But they are not affectionate animals. They don’t enjoy handling. Some species will become more confident over time, but none of them bond with humans the way a dog or even a fish with personality does.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to keep tortoises outdoors in a secure enclosure with natural vegetation, shelter, fresh water, and predator protection. Others require large indoor habitats with temperature and humidity controls. A tortoise kept in the wrong conditions will develop health problems within months. Metabolic bone disease and shell pyramiding are the two most common consequences of inadequate UVB lighting and humidity.
AVOID IF
You are not ready for a 40+ year commitment. You rent and move frequently. You live in a cold climate without space for a large indoor setup. You want an animal that tolerates handling or shows affection. You’re considering a sulcata and you don’t have at least a half-acre of outdoor space in a warm climate. You’re attracted to wild-caught animals because they’re cheaper: buying wild-caught tortoises funds the trade that’s driving most species toward extinction.
21 Types Of Tortoise Species
Now that you know what’s actually involved, here are 21 species from around the world with honest assessments of each.
1. Russian
- Scientific Name: Testudo horsfieldii
- Common Names: Russian tortoise, Afghan tortoise, Central Asian tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Central Asia and the Middle East
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Easy
- Lifespan: 40 to 50 years
- Color: Pale brown with darker spots
- Size: 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 cm)
The Russian tortoise is the most widely available species and the best starting point for first-time keepers. This temperature-tolerant species digs a burrow and spends winter underground to escape the cold, which makes it a good choice for outdoor care in cooler climates as long as the enclosure allows digging.
Unfortunately, the Russian tortoise is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List1 and is still collected from the wild. Insist on captive-bred animals only.
2. Marginated
- Scientific Name: Testudo marginata
- Common Names: Marginated tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Italy and Greece
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 100+ years
- Color: Mostly dark when adult
- Size: Up to 14 inches (36 cm)
This large, elongated tortoise has rear scutes that flare out almost like a skirt, giving it a unique silhouette. It has a friendly personality and works well for outdoor care year-round if you have a large enough enclosure. This is one of the longer-lived species, so consider adopting a captive-bred adult rather than committing to a hatchling that may outlive you.
3. Asia Minor
- Scientific Name: Testudo graeca ibera
- Common Names: Asia Minor tortoise, Ibera Greek tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Turkey
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: Potentially 100+ years
- Color: Black/dark brown and yellow
- Size: Can reach 11 inches (27 cm)
The Asia Minor tortoise is a large and popular subspecies of the Greek tortoise. These animals can be pretty aggressive toward each other, but they’re inquisitive around people. They do best in a large outdoor enclosure but can be kept indoors on a well-constructed tortoise table.
4. Eastern Hermann’s
- Scientific Name: Testudo hermanni boettgeri
- Common Names: Eastern Hermann’s tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Southeastern Europe
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 30 to 50+ years
- Color: Black and tan
- Size: 6 to 11 inches (15 to 27 cm)
The Eastern Hermann’s is the largest Hermann’s subspecies and makes an excellent outdoor pet. It has great looks, good personality, manageable care requirements, and can survive outside year-round in the right climate. It’s also easy to breed in captivity, so there’s no reason to buy wild-caught specimens.
5. Western Hermann’s
- Scientific Name: Testudo hermanni hermanni
- Common Names: Western Hermann’s tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: France, Italy, Spain
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 30 to 50+ years
- Color: Black and yellow
- Size: 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm)
Smaller, rarer, and more colorful than the eastern form. These tortoises stay at a manageable size and are relatively easy to care for, making them a solid choice for dedicated keepers. Depending on your climate, outdoor care year-round is possible.
6. Dalmatian Hermann’s
- Scientific Name: Testudo hermanni hercegovinensis
- Common Names: Dalmatian Hermann’s tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Southern Europe
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 30 to 50+ years
- Color: Black and tan
- Size: 5 to 6 inches (12.5 to 15 cm)
The Dalmatian Hermann’s is a small form intermediate between the larger eastern and the colorful western forms. Care requirements are nearly identical across all Hermann’s subspecies.
7. Sulcata
- Scientific Name: Centrochelys sulcata
- Common Names: Sulcata tortoise, African spurred tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Southern Sahara Desert in Africa
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate (advanced for adult housing)
- Lifespan: 70+ years
- Color: Adults are brown
- Size: 25 to 30 inches (64 to 89 cm), up to 200 pounds (91 kg)
The sulcata is the world’s third-largest tortoise species and one of the most frequently surrendered reptiles in the US. They’re sold as hatchlings the size of a large coin. Most people buy them without understanding the adult size. These animals need to be kept outdoors in warm, dry climates in very large enclosures. They’re not apartment pets. They’re not backyard pets in Seattle. Sulcatas require a serious outdoor setup and a multi-decade commitment. If you’re not in a position to provide that, choose a different species.
8. Greek
- Scientific Name: Testudo graeca
- Common Names: Spur-thighed tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Southwest Asia to Southern Europe and North Africa
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Color: Yellowish and black
- Size: 5 to 8 inches (12 to 20 cm)
The Greek tortoise is one of the most popular species in the hobby and can make an excellent pet with the right housing and care. These tortoises reach a manageable maximum size of around 8 inches (20 cm), making them suitable for indoor care in a temperature-controlled environment with proper UVB lighting.
9. Indian Star
- Scientific Name: Geochelone elegans
- Common Names: Indian star tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Difficult
- Lifespan: 30 to 55 years
- Color: Black and yellow
- Size: 7 to 15 inches (18 to 38 cm)
The Indian star tortoise has one of the most striking shell patterns in the family. It can be kept outdoors but will not survive freezing temperatures, so many keepers bring them inside during winter. Indian star tortoises are vulnerable and particularly threatened by illegal trade. Always insist on captive-bred specimens.
10. Red Footed
- Scientific Name: Chelonoidis carbonarius
- Common Names: Red-footed tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: South America
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Lifespan: 30+ years
- Color: Dark shell with pale spots, red markings on legs and face
- Size: Up to 15 inches (38 cm)
The red-footed tortoise is a beautiful and popular species that does well in captivity. It’s a medium-sized tortoise with a dark shell and three rows of yellow spots. Unlike most tortoises, red-foots are omnivores. They need occasional protein in their diet, such as insects or small amounts of high-quality wet cat food.
11. Aldabra Giant
- Scientific Name: Aldabrachelys gigantea
- Common Names: Aldabra giant tortoise, Seychelles giant tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Aldabra Island
- Diet: Mostly herbivorous
- Care Level: Moderate (advanced for adult housing)
- Lifespan: May live for over 200 years
- Color: Dark brown
- Size: 48 inches (120 cm), can exceed 550 pounds (250 kg)
The Aldabra giant tortoise is the world’s second-largest species. It can live for two centuries and reach weights well over 500 pounds (227 kg), which means it needs serious long-term space planning. You can keep a hatchling indoors briefly, but after a year or two you need a permanent outdoor setup. This is a true lifetime commitment in every sense of the phrase.
12. Burmese Star
- Scientific Name: Geochelone platynota
- Common Names: Burmese star tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Myanmar
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Color: Dark brown and yellow
- Size: Up to 14 inches (35 cm)
The Burmese star tortoise is a critically endangered species from Myanmar that is now more common in captivity than in the wild. Active conservation breeding programs exist, but continued poaching has made it functionally extinct in many of its historic habitats. If you keep one, you’re supporting a captive population that may one day be critical for the species’ survival.
13. Desert
- Scientific Name: Gopherus agassizzi
- Common Names: Desert tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Southwestern United States and Mexico
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 50 to 80 years
- Color: Brown
- Size: 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35 cm)
Desert tortoises live in the extreme conditions of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. They do great outdoors in similar climates but need careful management in colder, more humid regions. This species is critically endangered in the wild and illegal to keep in various southwestern US states. Check your local laws before pursuing one.
14. Leopard
- Scientific Name: Stigmochelys pardalis
- Common Names: Leopard Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Southern and East Africa
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Advanced
- Lifespan: 80 to 100 years
- Color: Speckled or pale brown
- Size: Usually 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm); large specimens up to 30 inches (76 cm)
The leopard tortoise is a large and widespread African species from semi-arid grasslands and savannas. Most specimens stay under 18 inches (46 cm), but the largest can reach 30 inches and 80 pounds (36 kg). They do best outdoors and need a temperature-controlled indoor space in cold climates. This species is relatively peaceful toward other tortoises and can be group-housed in a large enough enclosure.
15. Egyptian
- Scientific Name: Testudo kleinmanni
- Common Names: Egyptian tortoise, Kleinmann’s tortoise, Leith’s tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Libya to Palestine
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- Color: Pale tan with darker markings
- Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
The Egyptian tortoise (video source) is one of the world’s smallest tortoise species. These tiny tortoises are native to the coastal areas of North Africa, where they are nearly extinct in the wild. They need an indoor setup with precise temperature and humidity control.
16. Pancake
- Scientific Name: Malacochersus tornieri
- Common Names: Pancake tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: East Africa
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- Color: Dark brown with paler markings
- Size: Up to 7 inches (17 cm)
The Pancake tortoise gets its name from its strange, flattened shell that allows it to wedge into rock cracks and crevices. It can be kept outdoors in suitable climates or in a large (40-gallon+) terrarium with UVB light and heating. This critically endangered species is a slow breeder, and wild populations have collapsed due to collection for the pet trade.
17. Gopher
- Scientific Name: Gopherus polyphemus
- Common Names: Gopher tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Southeastern United States
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 40+ years
- Color: Dark brown when fully grown
- Size: 10 to 16 inches (25 to 40 cm)
The gopher tortoise is a burrowing reptile from North America that spends most of its time underground. It feeds mainly on grasses and needs a varied plant-based diet to stay healthy. It’s illegal to keep this protected species in most states, although permits may be granted in Florida under specific conditions.
18. Hingeback
- Scientific Name: Kinixys spp.
- Common Names: Hingeback tortoises
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Africa
- Diet: Omnivorous
- Care Level: Advanced
- Lifespan: Variable by species
- Color: Brown
- Size: 6 to 11 inches (15 to 22 cm)
Hingeback tortoises from the Kinixys genus can partially close their shell, a unique defensive adaptation. Many sold in the US are wild-caught and arrive in poor condition after being shipped from Africa. Unless you can confirm the animal is captive-bred, choose a different species. Supporting wild-caught hingebacks means supporting the trade that’s destroying wild populations.
19. Elongated
- Scientific Name: Indotestudo elongata
- Common Names: Elongated tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Southern and Southeast Asia
- Diet: Omnivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 40 to 50 years
- Color: Yellowish to dark brown
- Size: 12 inches (30 cm)
The elongated tortoise is a forest species found in Asian habitats. It typically hides below leaf litter and becomes most active at dawn and dusk. Over time, it may become more confident around its keeper. It requires warm temperatures and a large enclosure with both dry and humid zones. Not suitable for cold climates without significant indoor infrastructure.
20. Yellow-footed
- Scientific Name: Chelonoidis denticulatus
- Common Names: Yellow-footed tortoise, Brazilian giant tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Amazon Basin
- Diet: Omnivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Color: Dark brown with pale yellowish spots
- Size: 14 to 30 inches (36 to 76 cm)
The yellow-footed tortoise is a large South American species with yellow markings on its legs and face. Hatchlings are colorful; adults tend to darken significantly. This species needs shade but benefits from some daily natural sunlight or UVB exposure. Yellow-foots love to bathe, so a shallow water trough is a daily requirement, not an optional accessory.
21. Galapagos
- Scientific Name: Chelonoidis niger
- Common Names: Galapagos tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Origin: Galapagos Islands
- Diet: Herbivore
- Care Level: Difficult
- Lifespan: Up to 175 years
- Color: Black
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 m), nearly 900 pounds (408 kg)
The Galapagos tortoise is the world’s largest species. Individuals are occasionally available for sale, but they are extremely expensive, require a special permit in many states, and need an enormous warm outdoor space for long-term care. This is a tortoise for institutions, not households.
TIER BREAKDOWN
Beginner: Russian tortoise, Greek tortoise, Western Hermann’s (manageable size, forgiving temperature tolerance, captive-bred availability)
Intermediate: Red-footed tortoise, Eastern Hermann’s, Marginated tortoise, Indian star tortoise, Pancake tortoise (require more specific humidity, diet, or temperature management)
Advanced: Sulcata (adult housing demands), Leopard tortoise (size and sensitivity), Hingeback (wild-caught availability problem), Galapagos and Aldabra (institution-level requirements)
Quick Comparison: Best Pet Tortoise Species
MARK’S PICK
The Russian tortoise. It’s the most forgiving species for a first-time keeper: manageable adult size (5 to 10 inches / 13 to 25 cm), tolerates temperature swings better than most, hibernates naturally in colder climates, and captive-bred animals are widely available. It still lives 40 to 50 years, so don’t take that lightly. But if someone in my audience asks me which tortoise to start with, this is the one every time. If you want a Hermann’s instead, go for the Eastern subspecies and plan for outdoor care year-round if your climate allows.
Basic Care
Extensive research is required before buying any tortoise. Each species has different care requirements based on its natural habitat. A forest tortoise and a desert tortoise are not housed the same way. But there are core principles that apply across all species.
Housing
Tortoises can be kept in large terrariums (for small species) or large outdoor enclosures. Across much of North America, some species can be kept outdoors most of the year. Mediterranean species can often stay outdoors year-round. Tropical and humid-forest species require indoor access or indoor setups in cold climates.
Security
Your enclosure must be protected from dogs and predators like birds of prey. A mesh cover over small tortoise enclosures is important. Tortoises are also stolen, so secure enclosures matter.
Substrate
Use a deep substrate that retains some moisture and allows burrowing. Never keep tortoises on hot asphalt or paved surfaces.
Safety
Enclosure walls need to be high enough to prevent escape and prevent falls that could injure the animal.
Comfort
Provide areas of sunlight or UVB lighting and areas of shade. Include shelters such as caves, hollow logs, or snug hiding spots with good insulation.
Handling
Some tortoises become confident over time and may approach you for food. They’re not affectionate animals. Minimize handling. Tortoises stress easily when over-handled, and stressed tortoises stop eating.
Diet
Most species are herbivores that graze on grass, weeds, and plants. Red-footed and yellow-footed tortoises are omnivores that need occasional protein. For any species, research the specific diet requirements. Fruits are high in sugar and should only be offered as a rare treat.
Water
Tortoises need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Provide a shallow bowl with sloping sides so the animal can soak but won’t become trapped. Many species love to crawl in and soak.
Lighting
Tortoises require UVB light to maintain healthy vitamin D3 levels. Natural sunlight is best. Indoor tortoises need a quality UVB light source suspended 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) above the animal. Replace UVB bulbs every 4 to 6 months: they degrade before they burn out, and an expired UVB bulb provides no benefit.
Zoo Med UVB Light
This UVB kit from Zoo Med offers a good value and is perfect for new turtle keepers
Humidity
Despite living in dry regions, tortoises naturally seek moist areas to stay hydrated. Captive tortoises need both dry and moist zones in their enclosure. Without adequate humidity, tortoises develop shell pyramiding: raised, irregular scutes that indicate chronic dehydration and nutritional stress. It’s one of the clearest signs that housing conditions are wrong.
Heating
Indoor tortoises need daytime heat to simulate their natural environment. Use a heat lamp, not a heating pad. Provide a warm basking spot and a cooler area so the animal can thermoregulate. Turn the heat off at night: tortoises need to cool down. Running heat lamps and UVB sources on a timer is the most reliable approach.
Which Types Of Tortoise Should You Keep?
Once you’ve done the research and you’re genuinely ready for a decades-long commitment, the next decision is choosing the right species for your situation. Choose a healthy, captive-bred tortoise from a reputable breeder who can give you detailed care information. Wild-caught tortoises often arrive in poor health, stressed from transport, and carrying parasites. Many don’t survive the first year in captivity.
If you’re unsure about the long-term commitment: don’t buy yet. There’s no shame in waiting. A tortoise you research for six months is better than one you impulse-buy and can’t care for.
Conservation
Almost every species in this guide is threatened in its natural habitat. Some are functionally extinct in the wild. The causes vary by species: habitat destruction, hunting, and collection for the pet trade are the most common. There is no reason to support the illegal wildlife trade. Buy only from verified captive breeders. If a seller can’t confirm captive origin, walk away.
FAQs
What is the best tortoise as a pet?
The Russian tortoise is the most practical starting point. It stays at a manageable 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 cm), tolerates a wider temperature range than most species, and captive-bred animals are widely available. Greek tortoises and Hermann’s tortoises are also solid choices for first-time keepers with the right setup.
What is the most common type of tortoise?
The Russian tortoise and Greek tortoise are two of the most commonly kept species in the pet trade, with captive-bred animals widely available from reputable breeders. The sulcata is also extremely common in US pet stores, though its adult size makes it unsuitable for most households.
What kind of tortoise doesn’t get big?
Russian tortoises, Greek tortoises, and Hermann’s tortoises are all small to medium-sized species that stay under 11 inches (28 cm). The Egyptian tortoise is one of the world’s smallest at just 4 inches (10 cm). Avoid sulcatas and leopard tortoises if space is a limitation: both grow significantly larger than most people expect.
How many tortoise species are there?
Depending on which taxonomic authority you follow, there are between 49 and 54 known tortoise species worldwide. Southern Africa has the greatest species diversity, but tortoises are found on five continents.
Are there any tortoises native to North America?
Yes. North America has several native species: the desert tortoise, the gopher tortoise, the Texas tortoise, and the Bolson tortoise. Most are legally protected and cannot be taken from the wild. The desert tortoise is illegal to keep in many southwestern states without a permit.
How long do pet tortoises live?
Most commonly kept species live 40 to 80 years. Some species like the Aldabra giant tortoise and the Marginated tortoise can live over 100 years. The Galapagos tortoise has been documented living past 175 years. Any tortoise you buy today is likely to outlive you. Make sure you have a plan for its long-term care.
Closing Thoughts
I cover fish, not reptiles. But the question I hear most from aquarium hobbyists branching into reptiles is about tortoises, and the answers are the same as they are for any complex animal: research before you buy, understand what you’re committing to, and never purchase a wild-caught animal.
Tortoises are genuinely fascinating animals. A Russian tortoise that lives 50 years in proper care is a testament to what consistent husbandry can accomplish. But they’re not beginner pets in the way a betta or a goldfish might be a beginner fish. They need specific lighting, specific humidity, specific diet, and decades of consistent care.
If you’re ready for that, the Russian tortoise is the place to start. Get a captive-bred animal from a reputable breeder, set up the enclosure before it arrives, and do the reading on your specific species before day one.
For aquatic turtles specifically, red-eared sliders remain the most commonly kept aquatic turtle in the US, and they’re also the most commonly abandoned. If you’re considering an aquatic turtle rather than a tortoise, read up on their adult care requirements carefully before buying. The pattern of buying them tiny and surrendering them large is one of the most preventable animal welfare problems in the hobby.
Have questions about tortoise care or aquatic reptile setups? Drop them in the comments below.
