A page dedicated to turtle and tortoise species.
Tortoise & Turtle Species List: Profiles, Facts, Habitat, and Care Facts
Tortoises and turtles are fascinating reptiles found across many parts of the world. From small Mediterranean tortoises to giant species that can live over a century, each species has unique traits, habitats, and care requirements.
This tortoise species profile hub provides a quick overview of popular tortoise and box turtle species. Each profile includes key facts such as habitat, diet, size, lifespan, and natural range so you can quickly compare species
How to use this page (List)
- Start with Beginner-friendly species if you’re new.
- Use A–Z to find a specific species fast.
- Click View care guide to open the step-by-step setup.
Beginner-Friendly Species
Russian Tortoise
A small compact tortoise that can handle a wide variety of environments. Very common and available.
Greek Tortoise
Also a small compact tortoise that does well in a wide variety of environments, and many subspecies to pick from.
Hermann’s Tortoise
This species stays small like the two above. This species can live outdoors year round in most places and have a beautiful shell.
Popular Box Turtles
Three Toed Box Turtle
My favorite box turtle species. Found in the Midwest of the U.S. this little turtle can withstand cold temps and are very active.
Ornate Box Turtle
A North American species found on the western half of the U.S. They are found in open plains all the way to the high desert.
Eastern Box Turtle
This species of box turtle is found is most of the Eastern U.S. They come in many different colors and are found a lot of wooded areas.
Popular Tortoise Species
Large Tortoise Species
Note- Larger tortoise species require a outdoor enclosure as adults. Make suer you plan ahead and prepare for that if you decide on a large tortoise. They are rewarding to keep. Use this Tortoise & Turtle Enclosure Size Guide to help see if a Large Tortoise is right for you!
Browse by Region
Mediterranean
Greek – a small compact tortoise that does well in a wide variety of environments, and many subspecies to pick from.
Hermann’s This species stays small like the two above. This species can live outdoors year round in most places and have a beautiful shell.
Marginated – A species of tortoise that can get medium sized. They have flared side scutes which allows them to get to 12 plus inches.
Note– Most Mediterranean species like to burrow down, so when planning an enclosure be sure to build it secure and pick the right substrate to help with natural habits. The Best Substrate for Tortoises guide I made can help.
African
Leopard – A medium-large species that is known for its black spots and white shell. Found in Northern and Southern Africa.
Sulcata – The 3rd largest tortoise in the world. A great species to keep if you have the space and right climate for it.
Note– Just because these species are from Africa a dry warmer climate some might even call it a desert they still need drinking water available at all times. I tried to cover the topic on Do Tortoise Drink Water? and why hydration is important for all species.
North America
Three-Toed – My favorite box turtle species. Found in the Midwest of the U.S. this little turtle can withstand cold temps and are very active.
Ornate – A North American species found on the western half of the U.S. They are found in open plains all the way to the high desert.
All Species : A–Z List Below:
What’s in Each Profile
Quick Facts: size, lifespan, temperament, climate
Identification: appearance, shell pattern, sexual dimorphism
Natural Range & Habitat
Seasonality: brumation/estivation basics
Conservation & Legality (high-level)
Links: full care guide, diet, habitat, health, glossary
What next?:
If you’re new to tortoise keeping, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Tortoise Care before choosing your species.
- Full Care Guide →
/care-guides/ - Diet & Nutrition →
/diet/ - Habitat & Enclosures →
/habitat/ - Gear Reviews →
/gear-reviews/