How to Tell Male & Female Tortoises Apart

Reclusive, shy tortoises are shelled reptiles that resemble their water-dwelling relatives, the turtle. Encompassing many species, tortoises can range from a few centimeters in length to everal meters long. Tortoises have gained popularity as pets in recent years, although some species are protected from sale and transport. For those allowed as legal pets, telling the sex of your tortoise requires careful observation and a brief knowledge of basic tortoise anatomy.

Things You'll Need

  • Adult tortoise
  • Magnifying glass (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the length of your tortoise's neck and claws. In most tortoise species, females have a shorter neck plate and longer claws than males.

    • 2

      Flip over your tortoise and observe their plastron, or the underside of their shell. Males generally have a divot, or dimple, in the far end of their plastron, which reveals their sexual organs during mating. If your tortoise is very small, using a magnifying glass to observe may be helpful.

    • 3

      Pay attention to your tortoise's tail. The easiest way to determine a tortoise's sex is by their tail. Females have short tails which they hold in a downward position. Males have long tails which they will pull up and hold close to their shell when relaxed.