Types of Pet Turtles by Physical Appearance

Turtles are a common first pet for many children. They are easy to care for, don't require much space, and don't make a lot of noise. However, caring for a pet turtle will require you to know what type of turtle you have and the specific nutritional and environmental needs for that particular species. There are key differences in the appearance of most commonly kept pet turtles that will help you distinguish which one you have.

  1. Red-Eared Sliders

    • Red-Eared Slider

      Red-eared sliders are quite common, making up the vast majority of turtles kept as pets. All red-eared sliders have a distinctive thin red stripe that starts behind each eye and runs back across the head. However, if the turtle is constantly hiding his head in his shell, it may make this feature difficult to find. The red-eared slider also has a large black spot on each section of his underbelly. The shape of the shell is relatively flat, making it easy for him to navigate in his semi-aquatic natural habitat.

      Depending on the age of your turtle, you can also use size to determine which type of turtle you have. Red-eared sliders grow to a maximum size of 11 inches in length. Turtles larger than this will not be a red-eared slider.

    Box Turtles

    • Box Turtle

      Box turtles are another species commonly kept as pets. Box turtles are quite distinctive looking. Their shells have a high dome shape and they have short, stubby legs. Box turtles have the ability to completely close their shells in both the front and the back at the same time, a skill that many turtles lack. Their shells are also beautifully mottled with black and yellow. This feature allows them to become camouflaged in the thick woodlands where they tend to be plentiful.

    Russian Tortoise

    • Russian Tortoise

      Russian tortoises are another common pet variety of turtle. They are one of the smallest tortoise species, making them ideal pets. Russian tortoises are fairly flat in profile and measure the same lengthwise as they do widthwise. Their main coloration is straw yellow, but can have a variety of markings to no markings at all on their scutes. The markings may be black or green and tend to be in the center of each scute, if present at all. Russian tortoises will grow to a maximum of 10 inches in length with males being slightly smaller than females when fully grown.

    Painted Turtles

    • Painted Turtle

      Painted turtles are also commonly kept as pets. These turtles are attractive beacuse of their colorful shells. Their skin is usually olive green to black with vivid yellow and red stripes along the neck and legs. Their shells are relatively flat, which enables them to swim well. The top shell tends to be dark with thin yellow markings while the underbelly is usually yellow. Painted turtles grow to be approximately 10 inches in length, with the females slightly outgrowing the males.