InfoTortuga: The Complete Guide to Turtle Care

Welcome to InfoTortuga, the leading Spanish portal for enthusiasts and experts. Discover everything about turtle species, their diet, habitat, and the accessories you need to give them the best life. Start your journey here.

Turtles

First, what are turtles like? Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines, known for their characteristic shell that protects their internal organs. Their spine is attached to the top of the shell, allowing them to breathe by contracting their abdominal muscles instead of using a rib cage. Like other reptiles, they are ectothermic animals, which means their metabolism is controlled by external temperature. Another feature is that they shed their skin, although this process happens more slowly. Turtles are oviparous and build their nests underground to incubate their eggs.

Turtles are calm animals with a slow metabolism and are considered tolerant, patient, and wise creatures in popular culture. In temperate climates, all species hibernate regularly, and due to their longevity, slow movements, and wrinkled appearance, they are symbols of longevity and serenity in many cultures around the world.

Types and Species of Turtles

There are various types of turtle species in the world, some of which are the sea turtle, land turtle, and aquatic turtle. Below, we describe some types of turtles from each species, providing information on how to care for land turtles or aquatic turtles, their characteristics, habits, or conservation status of each specimen.

Sea turtles

These are the largest turtles and live in the sea. There are seven species of sea turtles, including the green turtle, the loggerhead turtle, the hawksbill turtle, the Kemp's ridley turtle, the leatherback turtle, the flatback turtle, and the olive ridley turtle. Sea turtle species are endangered due to poaching, accidental fishing, pollution, and the destruction of their natural habitats.

Land turtles

These are turtles that live in terrestrial areas and have strong legs and claws for digging and climbing. Some species of land turtles are the Galápagos tortoise, the leopard tortoise, the Russian tortoise, the African tortoise, and the box turtle.

Freshwater turtles

These are aquatic turtles that live in freshwater and have rounded shells and webbed feet. Some species of freshwater turtles we mention are the red-eared slider, the snake-necked turtle, the river turtle, or Mediterranean pond turtle.

All turtle species have their own unique characteristics. For example, the Galápagos tortoise is one of the largest land turtles and can live over 100 years. The Florida turtle is one of the most common aquatic turtles kept as pets, can be very sociable, but is an invasive species. Currently, its sale is not allowed in Spain. The hawksbill turtle is known for its beautiful shell and is one of the most threatened sea turtle species.

Turtles are animals that require special care, and should not be acquired as pets without first properly researching their needs and natural habitats.

Essential Guide to Caring for Your Turtle

If you are considering having a turtle as a pet, turtles require specific care to ensure their well-being and health at home.

Habitat: The Perfect Home

Make sure you have a suitable space for your turtle, whether a terrarium or aquaterrarium depending on the species, that is large enough for it to move and stretch comfortably.

Provide a clean water area for swimming and drinking, and a dry and warm area where it can bask and regulate its body temperature.

Balanced Diet

Feed your turtle a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and high-quality proteins, and make sure to keep its habitat clean and free of bacteria and parasites.

Having a turtle as a pet requires commitment and responsibility. Be sure to research the specific needs of the species you are considering before adopting or buying one. With proper care, turtles can be a wonderful and fascinating addition to your home.

Turtle Accessories

Turtle accessories are essential items for the well-being of these animals and for creating a suitable environment in their habitat. Here at Info Tortuga, we show you some of the most common accessories used in the breeding and care of turtles. See all turtle accessories.

This is the turtle's main habitat. The aquaterrarium should be large enough to allow the turtle to move freely and submerge in water if it is an aquatic turtle. In the case of a land turtle, the land turtle terrarium should be an enclosure or space at least 10 times the size of the turtle, fully enclosed so it cannot escape.

The water quality is fundamental for the well-being of aquatic turtles. The filter helps keep the water clean and healthy.

Turtles are cold-blooded animals and need a warm environment to regulate their body temperature. The water heater keeps the water at a suitable temperature for turtles.

Lamps provide heat and artificial light. The lamps must be specifically designed for reptiles and must provide the right amount of heat and light.

It is essential for the turtle to have a dry place where it can bask. Rocks or basking platforms are ideal for this.

Turtle accessories are essential items to provide a suitable environment in their habitat and ensure their well-being.

What do turtles eat?

Each turtle species has specific dietary needs. Land turtles, such as Russian tortoises and box turtles, generally eat a variety of vegetation, including leaves, flowers, herbs, and some fruits, as they are herbivorous turtles. They can also eat some insects and worms as a protein supplement. On the other hand, aquatic turtles, such as red-eared sliders and Florida turtles, feed mainly on aquatic plants, such as water lilies, as well as other types of vegetation. They can also eat invertebrates like shrimp, crabs, and snails, and some types of small fish.

Turtles should be provided with a balanced and varied diet to ensure they receive the nutrients they need to stay healthy. You should avoid feeding them foods high in fat and low in nutrients, as this can cause long-term health problems. By knowing your turtle's specific diet and providing appropriate foods, you can ensure your pet has a healthy and happy life.

Where to buy or adopt turtles?

If you are interested in buying or adopting a turtle, there are several options.

Animal shelters: Adopt your turtle from an animal shelter, which can be public or private and often have turtles available for adoption. You can search online or ask at your local animal shelter to see if they have turtles available in your area. One animal protection organization could be ARCO Spain.

Breeders: If you prefer to buy a turtle from a breeder, look for reputable turtle breeders in your area. Research online, read reviews, and talk to other turtle owners to find a reliable and responsible breeder. They must be a licensed breeder.

Pet stores: Pet stores often have turtles for sale. If you decide to buy a turtle from a pet store, make sure to choose a store with a good reputation that treats its animals ethically and responsibly. There are pet stores that, in some cases, do not keep animals in ideal conditions, either due to lack of staff training or having too many specimens. One option to buy your turtle is at the pet store Kiwoko.

Online platforms: There are Facebook groups, Whatsapp, or platforms like Milanuncios or Wallapop where owners put turtles up for adoption, either due to lack of space, time, or other reasons. Do your research and you may be able to adopt a turtle and give it a good home.

The evolution of turtles

The evolution of turtles from their appearance in the Triassic period 260 million years ago to the present is a fascinating topic. It is believed that turtles originated during the Norian, between 220 and 205 million years ago, as part of the amniote group, which includes reptiles such as lizards and crocodiles.

The most significant change in their evolution was the formation of the protective shell, which developed from the exoskeleton of the earliest species. Despite having undergone minor evolutionary changes compared to other species, turtles have survived thanks to their adaptability and efficiency as a model of diversity in groups and habitats.

Discover more about turtles, from aquatic turtles to land turtles.

What kind of animal is a turtle?

Turtles are reptiles, which means they are cold-blooded animals that depend on environmental heat to regulate their body temperature.

They are known for their hard, protective shells, which provide them with defense against predators.

Turtles have four legs, and most species spend most of their time in the water, although some can also live on land or in both environments.

They have a varied diet depending on the species, which includes plants, fruits, insects, and other small animals. There are many turtle species worldwide, and some can live more than 100 years in the wild and in captivity.

Turtle conservation

The conservation of turtles is an important and critical issue today. Many turtle species are threatened or endangered due to human activity, such as habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change.

Turtle conservation is essential due to their role in ecosystems and how their disappearance could have negative effects on nature. Many turtle species are essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Turtle conservation projects are being carried out in different parts of the world. Strategies used include the creation of nature reserves, captive breeding, and public education about the importance of conserving turtles. People should get involved and contribute to turtle conservation through actions such as reducing plastic use, not buying turtle-derived products, and supporting conservation projects.

Turtle news

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Invasive Exotic Turtles: Current European and Spanish Regulations

Current European and Spanish legislation strictly prohibits the acquisition, purchase, and sale of invasive exotic species, including Trachemys scripta and its subspecies such as the Red-eared Slider, Yellow-eared Slider, and the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta). These regulations aim to protect local ecosystems and prevent possible negative impacts on biodiversity, highlighting the importance of conserving and preserving native species. For more information, consult MITECO.