Elongated Tortoise

Elongated Tortoise key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

25-35 years

Size

Carapace up to 36cm, with typical adults around 30cm

Temperature

Diet

Leafy greens, fruit, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and grasses

Temperature & Humidity

Create a basking spot of about 32 C at one end of the enclosure and let the other end run cooler. It suffers badly in very dry air and responds by burying itself and becoming inactive, but excessive damp encourages bacteria and makes it ill, so keep the humidity moderate.

Enclosure

Provide a water dish the tortoise can sit in completely and a hide with damp substrate. It dislikes bright light, so avoid hanging a powerful UVB lamp close overhead; supply UV outdoors or with a lower-output lamp instead.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous with a strong plant bias: feed leafy greens, fruit and mushrooms. Wild animals also eat bamboo shoots, flowers, roots and bark.

Temperament

Comparatively hardy and easy to keep, but many animals in trade are wild caught and likely to carry internal parasites. Keep newly imported animals fairly warm at a suitable humidity and have them treated for worms.

Notes

The family Testudinidae was listed on CITES Appendix II in 1977, the current listing effective 2 January 2017. Appendix II species need no individual registration certificate in Japan, and the tortoise is neither a designated dangerous animal nor an invasive alien species. Habitat loss and collection for food and the pet trade have caused a steep decline.

About Elongated Tortoise

The Elongated Tortoise is a Southeast Asian species known for its elongated, domed carapace, reaching up to 36cm in shell length. It is generally considered suitable for keepers with some prior tortoise-keeping experience.

7 things to know before welcoming a Elongated Tortoise

1. 1Needs warm, humid conditions

   Elongated Tortoises thrive in warm, humid conditions, so a heat source, UV lighting, and moisture-retentive substrate are essential. Neglecting temperature and humidity control can affect their condition, so set up the enclosure properly before bringing one home.

2. 2Best suited to experienced keepers

   Because temperature and humidity management takes some skill, this species is generally recommended for keepers with prior tortoise-keeping experience. First-time keepers may want to start with a hardier species before taking this one on.

3. 3Calm and tends to tame well

   Individuals tend to be unfazed and often become quite tame with their keeper. You can enjoy watching the relationship develop gradually through daily care.

4. 4Adults reach 30-36cm

   Adults typically reach around 30cm in shell length, with larger individuals reaching 36cm. It's important to prepare a sufficiently spacious enclosure in advance, anticipating this growth.

5. 5Males change color when breeding

   Males that have reached breeding condition may develop a subtle pink tint around the eyes and nostrils. This is one of the distinctive changes seen in this species.

6. 6A plant-based diet

   A daily diet centered on greens and vegetables needs to be given in a balanced way. Rotate the food items you offer so nutrition doesn't become one-sided.

7. 7Plan for the long term

   Tortoises are animals you'll be with for a long time, so it's worth picturing your final enclosure setup and care routine before bringing one home. Aim for a setup you can maintain comfortably over time.

Frequently asked questions about Elongated Tortoise

Q.Do Elongated Tortoises become tame?

A.Individual personalities vary, but they're generally considered calm and prone to taming well. Many individuals grow gradually more comfortable through daily feeding and care.

Q.How large do they grow?

A.Adults typically reach around 30cm in shell length, with the largest individuals reaching up to about 36cm. It's a good idea to prepare an enclosure with future growth in mind.

Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?

A.The Elongated Tortoise is generally considered a species for intermediate keepers. It's recommended to build up basic tortoise-keeping knowledge and experience before bringing one home.

Q.How can you tell males from females?

A.Males in breeding condition may show a subtle pink tint around the eyes and nostrils, which is considered one clue for distinguishing them.

Q.Is the Elongated Tortoise subject to CITES?

A.Elongated Tortoise is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Useful tools for Elongated Tortoise care

Learn more about Elongated Tortoise in the encyclopedia

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