In a nutshell: From aquatic sliders to land-loving tortoises, these 19 pet turtles offer unique charm and manageable care—find your ideal companion today! Thinking of a pet turtle? You’re in for a treat! Turtles bring a prehistoric vibe and quiet companionship to any home, but picking the right one means matching their needs to your lifestyle. This guide spotlights 19 top pet turtles—spanning aquatic, semi-aquatic, and land-dwelling tortoises—each with distinct traits, habitat setups, and diets. Whether you’re a newbie or a reptile pro, we’ve got you covered with expert tips, stunning visuals, and links to dive deeper into reptile pets, tortoise toys, and exotic pet options. Let’s explore the shelled wonders waiting to join your family! First, a quick clarification: “turtles” and “tortoises” aren’t the same. Turtles are aquatic or semi-aquatic, thriving in or near water, while tortoises are land-dwellers, built for dry terrain. All tortoises are turtles (part of the Testudines order), but not all turtles are tortoises. This distinction shapes their care—turtles need tanks with water, tortoises need terrestrial enclosures. We’ll cover both here to help you choose wisely.
Contents
- Introduction
- Common Pet Turtles
- Aquatic Pet Turtles
- Semi-Aquatic Pet Turtles
- Land Pet Turtles (Tortoises)
- Uncommon Pet Turtles
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Turtles are more than just slow movers—they’re captivating pets with lifespans that can stretch decades, offering a unique bond for committed owners. But not every turtle suits every home. From aquatic sliders basking in tanks to tortoises roaming dry enclosures, each species has specific needs for space, heat, light, and food. This article highlights 19 of the best pet turtles, grouped by habitat type, with detailed care insights to ensure their health and your happiness. Ready to meet your next shelled sidekick? Dive in!
Common Pet Turtles
Red-Eared Slider
The Red-Eared Slider tops the pet turtle charts with its bold red ear stripes and manageable care. Growing to 8-12 inches, these aquatic champs need a 75-100-gallon tank with a basking dock, UVB lighting, and a water heater (75-80°F). They’re omnivores—offer commercial pellets, leafy greens (e.g., romaine), and occasional crickets. Their vibrant look and active nature make them beginner-friendly, though their 30+ year lifespan means a long-term commitment.
Painted Turtle
Painted Turtles dazzle with red and yellow shell patterns, hitting 6-10 inches. These aquatic beauties thrive in a 50-75-gallon tank with a basking spot (85-90°F), UVB light, and clean water (filtered, 70-75°F). Feed them a mix of turtle pellets, aquatic plants (e.g., duckweed), and small insects like mealworms. Their vivid colors and calm demeanor make them a top pick for turtle fans.
Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern Box Turtles, with domed shells and orange-to-yellow markings, grow to 4-6 inches. These semi-aquatic stars need a 20-30-gallon terrarium with moist substrate (e.g., coconut coir), a shallow water dish, and a 75-85°F basking zone (UVB required). Their diet spans worms, berries, and chopped veggies—variety keeps them healthy. Ideal for land-focused owners, they’re hardy and charming.
Aquatic Pet Turtles
African Sideneck Turtle
African Sideneck Turtles, with their quirky side-tucked necks, reach 8-12 inches. Fully aquatic, they need a 75-gallon tank with deep water (70-75°F), a basking platform (85°F), and UVB. Omnivores, they eat pellets, fish (e.g., minnows), and greens like kale. Their playful swimming and unique look appeal to aquarists seeking something different.
Map Turtle
Map Turtles sport map-like shell lines, growing to 4-10 inches (females larger). These aquatic turtles need a 40-75-gallon tank with a basking area (85-90°F), UVB, and filtered water (70-75°F). They eat aquatic insects, small fish, and plants like water lettuce. Their intricate patterns make them a standout choice.
Musk Turtle
Musk Turtles, or “Stinkpots,” are tiny (3-5 inches) aquatic turtles with a musky defense scent. A 20-30-gallon tank with shallow water (70-75°F), a basking spot (85°F), and UVB suits them. Feed them snails, fish, and occasional greens. Their small size and low space needs make them perfect for compact setups.
Yellow-Bellied Slider
Yellow-Bellied Sliders, cousins to Red-Eared Sliders, flaunt bright yellow undersides and grow to 8-13 inches. They require a 75-100-gallon tank with a basking dock (85-90°F), UVB, and warm water (75-80°F). Their diet mirrors sliders—pellets, greens, and insects. Their sunny bellies add a cheerful splash to any tank.
Semi-Aquatic Pet Turtles
Box Turtle
Box Turtles (beyond Eastern) include species like the Ornate Box, hitting 5-7 inches. Their hinged shells close tight for safety. Set up a 30-gallon terrarium with a 50/50 land-water split—moist soil, a shallow pool (70°F), and UVB basking (80-85°F). They munch on slugs, berries, and carrots—a versatile pick for mixed habitats.
Diamondback Terrapin
Diamondback Terrapins, with diamond-patterned shells, grow to 5-9 inches. These brackish-water lovers need a 75-gallon tank with a land area, brackish water (1-2% salinity, 75-80°F), and UVB basking (85°F). Feed them shrimp, clams, and fish. Their coastal vibe suits dedicated keepers.
Bog Turtle
Bog Turtles, tiny at 3-4 inches, sport orange cheek patches. Semi-aquatic, they need a 20-gallon setup with muddy substrate, shallow water (70-75°F), and high humidity (80%+). UVB and a 75-80°F basking spot are musts. They eat worms, snails, and small insects—rare but rewarding for small-space owners.
Western Painted Turtle
Western Painted Turtles glow with yellow and red stripes, reaching 6-8 inches. Semi-aquatic, they thrive in a 50-gallon tank with a basking dock (85-90°F), UVB, and water (70-75°F). Their diet includes fish, aquatic plants, and pellets—a colorful, easy-care option.
Land Pet Turtles (Tortoises)
Russian Tortoise
Russian Tortoises, sturdy at 6-8 inches, love dry setups. A 40-gallon enclosure with sandy soil, rocks, and a 90-95°F basking spot (UVB) mimics their steppe home. Herbivores, they graze on dandelions, clover, and hay—perfect for land lovers seeking a low-water pet.
Greek Tortoise
Greek Tortoises, or Spur-Thighed, reach 6-10 inches with rugged shells. They need a 40-gallon terrarium with soil, plants, and a 90-95°F basking area (UVB). Their herbivorous diet includes kale, collards, and occasional fruit—a Mediterranean gem for tortoise fans.
Hermann’s Tortoise
Hermann’s Tortoises, 6-8 inches, charm with yellow-black shells. A 40-gallon setup with soil, hiding spots, and a 90-95°F basking zone (UVB) suits them. They eat weeds (e.g., plantain), greens, and flowers—gentle and great for outdoor pens too.
Asian Box Turtle
Asian Box Turtles, 5-7 inches, feature hinged shells and earthy tones. They need a 30-gallon terrarium with moist substrate, a water dish, and a 75-85°F basking spot (UVB). Omnivores, they enjoy worms, strawberries, and greens—a land twist on box turtles.
Indian Star Tortoise
Indian Star Tortoises, 5-10 inches, shine with starburst shell patterns. A 40-gallon enclosure with dry soil, rocks, and a 90-95°F basking area (UVB) is ideal. Herbivores, they thrive on grasses, spinach, and zucchini—a stunning, beginner-friendly tortoise.
Uncommon Pet Turtles
Spotted Turtle
Spotted Turtles, 3-5 inches, dazzle with yellow spots. Semi-aquatic, they need a 20-gallon tank with shallow water (70-75°F), a land area, and UVB basking (80°F). Feed them insects, worms, and aquatic plants—a rare beauty for dedicated keepers.
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Alligator Snapping Turtles, growing 15-26 inches, boast prehistoric jaws. Fully aquatic, they demand a 150-gallon tank with deep water (75-80°F), a basking spot (85°F), and UVB. Carnivores, they eat fish, crayfish, and meat—not for beginners due to size and bite risk.
Mata Mata Turtle
Mata Mata Turtles, 18-20 inches, stun with leafy, camouflaged shells. Aquatic, they need a 100-gallon tank with murky water (75-80°F), a basking area (85°F), and UVB. They eat live fish and invertebrates—an exotic pick for advanced aquarists.
Conclusion
Picking the perfect pet turtle is all about fit—matching their habitat, diet, and care to your space and commitment level. These 19 species, from splashy Red-Eared Sliders to starry Indian Tortoises, offer options for every enthusiast. Invest in the right setup—tanks or terrariums, UVB lights, heaters—and a balanced diet to keep them thriving. Love reptiles? Explore more with our top reptile pets or spice up their lives with tortoise toys.
Petme: Join the turtle tribe
Got a turtle in mind? Hop onto Petme, the pet social network where turtle fans connect. Craft a pet profile to flaunt your shelled buddy, trade care secrets, and soak up wisdom from a global crew. Download the pet app at https://petme.social/—your turtle’s fan club starts here!
FAQs
- What’s the best turtle for beginners?
- Red-Eared Sliders and Painted Turtles shine for newbies—widely available, hardy, and straightforward with a tank, UVB, and mixed diet.
- Are turtles high-maintenance pets?
- They need effort—tanks or enclosures, heat, light, and diet tweaks—but the payoff’s a low-key, long-term pal. Start simple with our beginner reptile list.
- Can turtles recognize their owners?
- Not like dogs, but they learn routines—feeding time or your voice can spark a head-tilt of familiarity over months.
- How long do pet turtles live?
- Species vary—sliders hit 30-40 years, tortoises can top 50-100 with top care. They’re a legacy pet!
- Can pet turtles live together?
- Risky—turtles can get territorial or stressed. Solo enclosures are safest, especially for beginners.
