Radiated Tortoise Care Guide | Madagascar Tortoise Characteristics, Legal Regulations, Cage Setup, and Diet Management | ブリちょく
Reptiles| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Radiated Tortoise Care Guide | Madagascar Tortoise Characteristics, Legal Regulations, Cage Setup, and Diet Management
Comprehensive guide to caring for the Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata), an endemic species of Madagascar. Covers the distinctive radiating shell pattern, legal regulations under CITES Appendix I, cage setup and temperature control, herbivorous diet guidelines, and long-term care management for this long-lived species.
Key Takeaways
Comprehensive guide to caring for the Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata), an endemic species of Madagascar. Covers the distinctive radiating shell pattern, legal regulations under CITES Appendix I, cage setup and temperature control, herbivorous diet guidelines, and long-term care management for this long-lived species.
✍️
BreederDirect Editorial
The BreederDirect editorial team specializes in care information for animals, covering veterinary care and breeding to deliver beginner-friendly guides.
Find Reptiles on BreederDirect
Buy directly from verified breeders
Browse Related Listings
Find Reptiles listings related to this article on BreederDirect. Buy directly from verified breeders.
Related Tools
Related Articles
Browse by Category
🪸Coral
🐠Marine Fish
🐟Tropical Fish
🐡Goldfish
🐟Medaka
🦎Reptiles
Share
About the Radiated Tortoise
The Radiated Tortoise (scientific name: Astrochelys radiata) is a large terrestrial tortoise endemic to the arid regions of southern Madagascar. Its most distinctive feature is a shell with bright yellow radiating lines on a black background (the origin of the name "radiated"), and it is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful tortoise species in the world.
Basic Information
Item
Details
Scientific Name
Astrochelys radiata
Carapace Length (Adult)
35–50 cm
Weight (Adult)
10–20 kg
Estimated Lifespan
150+ years (Record: The "Tu'i Malila" individual lived an estimated 188 years)
Native Habitat
Southern Madagascar (dry scrubland and savanna)
Conservation Status
Listed on CITES Appendix I · Critically Endangered (CR)
The Radiated Tortoise is recorded as "one of the longest-lived animals in the world," and keeping one represents a commitment spanning multiple generations.
Legal Regulations in Japan (Always Check Before Keeping)
The Radiated Tortoise is listed on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendix I, and international trade for commercial purposes is in principle prohibited.
Main Regulations for Keeping in Japan
Regulation
Details
Import
CITES import permit required (commercial purposes are effectively prohibited)
Domestic Trade
Appendix I species cannot be bought or sold without Class 1 Animal Handler registration
Captive-Bred Individuals
CB individuals born from legally obtained parents can be traded domestically, but proper documentation is required
When purchasing or acquiring, always verify that proper CITES documentation (import permits, certificates of origin) is complete. Individuals lacking proper documentation are subject to confiscation and penalties.
Setting Up the Enclosure
Enclosure Size
Radiated Tortoises are highly active and require ample space.
Individual Size
Indoor
Outdoor
Hatchling to Subadult (Carapace length up to 20 cm)
Floor area of 60 × 90 cm or larger
1 m² or larger
Adult (Carapace length 20 cm+)
1.5 × 2 m or larger
4 m² or larger
For long-term adult care, outdoor enclosure (during periods when appropriate temperatures can be maintained) is ideal.
Temperature Management
Coming from the arid regions of southern Madagascar, they prefer relatively high temperatures.
Location
Temperature
Basking Spot
40–45°C
Active Zone
28–35°C
Nighttime (Overall)
20–25°C
Annual Minimum Temperature
18°C or higher (below 10°C is dangerous)
Winter Management: Japan's winters are too cold, requiring indoor heater management. Unlike other tortoise species, hibernation is not recommended for this species.
Humidity
Coming from an arid habitat, humidity should be maintained at 40–60%. The environmental setup is similar to that for Sulcata Tortoises and can serve as a reference.
However, warm soaking in the basking area (warm water soaking 1–2 times weekly, 30°C for 20 minutes) is effective for metabolism, hydration, and promoting defecation.
UVB Lighting (For Indoor Care)
UVI 2.9–4.0 (T5HO 12% or higher lamps recommended)
Light duration: 12–14 hours
During seasons when outdoor natural light care is possible, provide outdoor exposure when feasible
Diet Management
Radiated Tortoises are strictly herbivorous, feeding on fruits, plant leaves, and succulents in the wild.
Recommended Diet Composition
Food Item
Proportion
Notes
High-fiber leafy greens (komatsuna, Chinese broccoli, dandelion leaves)
50–60%
Focus on calcium-rich options
Grasses (timothy hay, orchard grass)
10–20%
For digestive fiber
Seasonal wild plants (dandelion, plantain)
10–20%
When foraging, avoid pesticides and herbicides
Fruits (apple, papaya, mulberry)
5–10%
Give sparingly due to high sugar content
Foods to Avoid
High-protein foods (insects, meat, tofu, cheese, etc.): burden on kidneys
Cabbage and broccoli: contain goitrogens that affect thyroid function
Avocado, onion, and garlic: toxic
Calcium Supplementation
Keep cuttlebone or oyster shell powder available at all times
Avoid over-supplementing vitamin D3 in environments with adequate natural light or UVB
Feeding Frequency
Adults: daily or every other day. Offer fresh vegetables in the morning and remove uneaten food in the evening.
Breeding and Egg Management
Breeding is possible under appropriate care conditions.
Mating season: Spring to early summer (April–July)
Clutch size: 3–12 eggs per clutch
Incubation: 80–100 days at 29–31°C
Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD): males tend to develop at 29°C, females at 31°C
Maintaining breeding records is also important for maintaining CITES documentation.
Long-Term Care Philosophy for This Long-Lived Species
Radiated Tortoises can live 50–100+ years in captivity.
Long-term enclosure review: Environmental adjustments are necessary as the keeper's life circumstances change
Succession planning: Securing a reliable caretaker for the future
Building a long-term veterinary relationship: Establish a relationship with a reptile-specialized veterinarian early on
Documentation management: CITES-related documents must be kept for the lifetime of the individual
Summary
The Radiated Tortoise, with its unparalleled beauty and longevity, represents a pinnacle in reptile keeping. By acquiring a legally compliant individual and maintaining proper high-temperature, arid conditions and strict herbivorous diet management, decades of successful care are possible. Over its long lifespan, this species offers an exceptionally unique experience—a bond with an animal that transcends generations.
