The Difference Between Male & Female Turtles

Many people keep turtles as low-maintenance, easy pets. For people who keep several turtles, though, it's important to differentiate the males from the females.

  1. The Facts

    • The most common pet turtles are yellow and red-eared sliders. These freshwater turtles spend more time out of the water than in, and are widely available at pet stores.

    Size--Males

    • Male turtles are generally smaller than females. Male red and yellow-eared sliders reach 4 inches in length.

    Size--Females

    • Females sliders can reach 5 inches in length once they've reached physical and sexual maturity. Female turtles have shorter tails than males.

    Shells--Males

    • Male turtles have a concave undershell, and a shell that is longer and thicker than the shell of a female.

    Shells-Females

    • The female's undershell is flat or slightly convex, especially toward the back, where the turtle stores eggs.

    Considerations

    • Pet store turtles may be stressed, and might also be infected with a range of protozoan and bacterial infections.