Turtles vs. Tortoises

Though most people, even pet owners, know that there is a difference between turtles and tortoises, few people could tell you what those differences are. Knowing the differences in these two seemingly similar animals is crucial to proper pet care. What might be a suiting environment for one could certainly be harmful for the other.

First, a few helpful facts about these two members of the testudines family. Though both of these animals are sheltered by large shells, their natural environments are entirely different. Tortoises are a land dwelling species whereas a turtle must live in and around an aquatic environment. This major difference in dwelling sheds light on the physical differences of the two chordates.

First, the size and shape of a tortoise is much rounder and heavier, not necessarily conducive to swimming, but perfect for roaming the African plains that they are native to. Turtles, on the other hand, have a much lighter, flatter shell shape that allows them to be quickly propelled through the water by their wide, webbed feet.

Knowing these natural differences is crucial to providing the right environment for your turtle or tortoise. Though turtles are kept as pets more often than their larger, land dwelling counterparts, tortoises have been increasing in popularity as pets as well. Turtles must be kept in an aquatic environment with a proper place for them to bask out of the water to take in sunlight.

Turtles can be both fully aquatic or semi-aquatic depending on the breed. But in both cases an aquatic environment is important for their health. Tortoises, on the other hand, need to be kept in a typically larger, dry to arid environment. Special attention must be paid to the humidity of a tortoise environment. Because of the specificity of their care, tortoises are not recommended to be the pets of first time reptile owners.

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