Types of turtles are diverse and numerous, there are more than three hundred of them on Earth, they are grouped into 14 families and three suborders. Reptiles can be divided into land and water. The latter can be freshwater and marine.
These are the oldest animals on Earth that lived before the appearance of humans. Usually in the wild, they live in the tropics and in temperate climates. Many people love to keep turtles at home.
Who can be most often seen at home
Among the most popular types of domestic turtles are the following:
- Central Asian tortoise.
- Pond slider.
- European marsh.
- Far Eastern Trionics (Chinese).
- Musky.
Turtles contained at home should not freeze, they are thermophilic. The temperature that they need to ensure should not be lower than 25 degrees Celsius.
Earth reptiles
All kinds of popular types of land turtles have significant differences in appearance, but there is little strict classification in appearance.
Scientists know the three main suborders of turtles:
- crypto-cervical - the most adapted to life;
- side-neck;
- brushless.
The first two species owe their name to the methods of retracting the head: in the crypto-neck - vertical, in the side-neck - horizontal. Turtles appeared during the Middle Triassic.
Mock turtles inhabit only the southern hemisphere. Crypto-tortoises live everywhere - in deserts, forest-steppes (maybe in the water). They feed on animal and plant foods. Universal reptiles.
Central Asian
The awkward slow, frequent occupant of urban apartments. This species is listed in the Red Book, it is forbidden to sell it, but who does it stop: in pet stores they are very close … In natural conditions, this species lives in Central Asia.
Despite the fact that outwardly they can be confused with other species, land turtles of the Central Asian "breed" have their own characteristics. The shell is light in color with dark shields, four-fingered limbs. The terrarium should be maintained at a temperature of about 30 degrees. These reptiles love open space, so they live longer.
Mediterranean
Outwardly, she is a Central Asian "sister." This species includes about 20 more subspecies, they can be found in different climatic conditions in different regions of the world. They are fans of a large number of direct rays of the sun. Dimensions and colors of their shell are different. Its maximum diameter is 35 centimeters. The back of the animal contains horn tissue in the form of a tuber. The front legs are five-fingered, the hind legs are spurs. In an apartment with such a turtle it is necessary to maintain a temperature of 25-30 degrees.
Egyptian
Head in the sand … So do not only ostriches and not only the head. Do you know what type of turtles is common in Egypt? It is the little Egyptian turtle that, at the slightest danger, burrows itself into the hot saving sandy hole with lightning speed. The reptile "wears" a shell that does not exceed 12 cm in diameter. The shield has a yellow color with a dark border. It is also characterized by the absence of spurs on the hind legs. Most often, in addition to Egypt, they are found in Israel.
Balkan
Visually, it cannot be distinguished from the Mediterranean breed, the difference is only in the diameter of the shell, it has less and does not exceed 20 cm. Light, with dark spots, it darkens with age, this distinguishes the Balkan from other types of turtles. The photo shows another of its features: a spike at the end of the tail.
The Balkan reptiles live mainly in southern Europe, in coastal territories, while those living in the west are smaller in size in the eastern part. They can be kept in captivity at a temperature of about 30 degrees Celsius.
Freshwater turtles. Musky
If you are going to get an aquarium turtle, remember that they need a "house" with a volume of 200 liters or more.
This baby does not exceed 10 cm in length and is considered to be one of the smallest domestic turtles. The musk-type reptile has an unusual color: its body is dark in color, and on the neck there are bright light stripes leading to the head. It looks very unusual and contrasting.
For home maintenance, this is perhaps the most unpretentious breed of the rest. She does not need special conditions, and she eats almost everything in a row - and crustaceans, and fish, and grass, and cabbage - she is omnivorous.
As for the aquarium, she needs to ensure loneliness. Do not hook fish to her and do not put algae in there, she will just eat them! Do not spare water for the aquarium and provide it with an island of sushi, which is necessary for all turtles.
Marsh
Visually, this species of turtles is characterized by a low and smooth shell, dark, with a greenish tint and light spots across the surface.
This individual is listed in the Red Book.
The turtle is characterized by thumbs with sharp claws and a large tail, which is about 70% of the entire body in length. The reptile itself is not more than 35 cm, and its mass is approximately 500 grams.
They can often be found in apartments and houses, they do not differ in any specific features. The breed has about 13 subspecies. They are freely sold in pet stores, do not require special care. Swamp turtles eat both fish and plant foods. They need an aquarium with a volume of 100 liters or more, and an island of land can reach 50% of the total volume of the aquarium.
Under natural conditions, lakes and ponds are considered the best habitat for bog turtles; these reptiles are especially active during the day.
Trachea
This is the most popular type of turtles that can often be found in captivity. Includes about 15 subspecies, which are also called "decorated". Thanks to spots of red or yellow in the area of the ears, it got its name.
Reptiles grow 18-30 centimeters in length. The color of the shells of young individuals has a light shade, on the body - characteristic stripes of green. Males have more powerful claws and a tail, this is how they differ from females.
Feel great at temperatures up to 32 degrees. These are rather lazy and slow turtles, for their maintenance it is necessary to buy a large terrarium or aquarium, the volume of which is at least 200 liters.
Silt or big-headed
This turtle has an unusual head shape. The animal's length is 18 centimeters. Its carapace is small compared to its paws and head. The animal bites painfully, its teeth penetrate deep into the tissue. Therefore, before you get such a pet at home, think about whether to put yourself in danger.
Chinese trionics
Unusual, exceptional tortoise with a soft, leathery green shell without shields. Does not grow more than 20 cm.
There is another surprising feature of them - the trunk instead of the usual nose, and on the legs with three fingers. Dangerous sharp edges are located on the jaw of the trionix, thanks to them the animal grabs prey in the water.
In China and Japan, these turtles are happy to eat, their meat is appreciated and equated with delicacies. Trionics itself feeds on fish and crustaceans.
If you decide to have her at home, remember that this is an active, responsive turtle, it can be aggressive and bite. Taming her is very difficult. To maintain it, buy a spacious 250-liter aquarium with a thick soil layer at the bottom and fill it with water.
Caspian tortoise
This type of turtles is notable for its average size (about 30 cm), as well as a flat and oval view of a greenish-colored shell with yellow stripes, which are also found on the head, tail and legs.
They are found in both fresh and salt water, the main habitat is the sandy bottom and vegetation on the shore. These turtles can climb high into the mountains, their life expectancy is about 30 years. For keeping at home, observe the temperature regime set for all turtles (30 degrees).
There are seven species of sea turtles
These individuals live mainly in tropical and subtropical seas. Females go ashore for several hours and lay their eggs.
Sea reptiles are distinguished by low flat bone shells with horn plates at the top, fins instead of legs. Examples include the green and olive tortoise, loggerhead, and biss.
Once every few minutes, turtles emerge to swallow air. Their organs of vision and sense of smell are well developed, with their help reptiles seek food, they can find both enemies and a mating partner. They have no teeth, they bite off and grind food with powerful horny beaks.
