Turtles are probably the most beloved reptiles among humans. Small turtles are adorable and delicate, while larger turtles are usually friendly and approachable. Below are ten of the world's most remarkable turtle species, guiding you to explore the fascinating world of turtles. These include: the most numerous turtle, the largest turtle, the smallest turtle, the easiest turtle to keep, the most difficult turtle to keep, the most ferocious turtle, the shortest-lived turtle, the most expensive turtle, the most drought-resistant turtle, the most cold-resistant turtle, and the oldest turtle.
1. The most numerous turtle in the world (Brazilian red-eared slider).
The most numerous turtle in the world is the red-eared slider, commonly found in pet markets and often simply called a "Brazilian turtle." These turtles are native to the central United States and northern Mexico. Due to their medicinal, ornamental, and edible value, as well as their low price and ease of care, they are widely bred and sold, resulting in very high densities in pet markets. Furthermore, due to pet abandonment and religious releases, they have invaded waterways around the world. Red-eared sliders possess strong interspecies competitiveness, enabling them to survive and reproduce in their native habitats. Therefore, they are now one of the most common reptile pets globally and, due to their strong resilience, one of the most numerous turtle species in the world.
2. The world's largest turtle (leatherback turtle)
The world's largest turtle is not the alligator snapping turtle or the giant tortoise, but a giant ocean lizard called the leatherback sea turtle. Belonging to the order Testudines, leatherback sea turtles are among the largest species. They typically grow to 2 meters in length, with a carapace length of 1040 to 1500 millimeters, a width of 560 to 900 millimeters, and a height of 290 to 495 millimeters, generally weighing over 100 kilograms. Leatherback sea turtles have a massive head and a short neck, and their forelimbs are particularly strong, with the leading edge of each forelimb reaching 720 to 1010 millimeters in length, more than twice the length of their hind limbs, allowing them to swim freely in the ocean.
You might remember the popular anime "Dragon Ball" from your childhood, in which there is a character named Master Roshi, whose vehicle is a giant sea turtle, and this design was inspired by the leatherback turtle.
3. The world's smallest turtle (Miniature Musk Turtle)
The smallest turtle in the world is known as the miniature musk turtle. Adult males measure between 5 and 6 centimeters, while adult females measure between 7 and 8 centimeters. Aside from their small size, miniature musk turtles are very similar in appearance to the common musk turtle (Mississippi musk turtle), both having smooth carapaces. However, miniature musk turtles are darker in color than common musk turtles, being almost black.
Miniature musk turtles mainly inhabit sunny Florida. Their diet is similar to that of common aquatic turtles, and they like to eat small fish, shrimp and other aquatic animals. However, due to their small size, they do not eat much.
4. The world's easiest turtle to keep (Red-eared Slider)
Among turtles, the red-eared slider is considered one of the easiest to keep. These turtles are numerous and highly sought after, with their extremely low barrier to entry being one of their main attractions. Due to their ease of care, the red-eared slider is one of the most suitable turtle pets for beginners. Keeping a small red-eared slider requires minimal equipment; they are highly adaptable, and a simple water bowl or container will suffice as their habitat. Additionally, small turtles need sunlight, so a basking platform is necessary.
Red-eared sliders are omnivorous turtles, eating almost anything, so choosing a diet won't be a headache for keepers. Aside from that, only water quality and ventilation need to be considered. Overall, for more relaxed keepers, the red-eared slider is definitely one of the best choices.
5. The most difficult turtle in the world to keep as a pet (Malayan snail-eating turtle)
If we're talking about the most difficult turtle to keep, it's definitely the Malayan snail-eating turtle. This turtle is widely considered a challenge not for turtle enthusiasts, especially beginners. Native to Southeast Asia, the Malayan snail-eating turtle has a very poor ability to adapt to its environment; they are exceptionally sensitive and timid. In daily care, strict attention must be paid to maintaining a stable temperature; even slight negligence can lead to illness.
Malayan snail-eating turtles are extremely picky eaters, primarily feeding on aquatic snails, freshwater snails, and clams. However, the shells of shellfish in my country are harder than those in Southeast Asia, so keepers need to regularly clean and tap their shells. This extra work can sometimes feel more demanding than caring for a child.
6. The world's most ferocious turtle (alligator snapping turtle)
Among turtles, the alligator snapping turtle is undoubtedly the most ferocious. Alligator snapping turtles can be divided into two main species: the common alligator snapping turtle and the common snapping turtle. In terms of size, the common alligator snapping turtle is overwhelmingly larger, but this behemoth is generally relatively calm, except when it is aggressive during hunting. The truly ferocious species is the common snapping turtle. Although relatively smaller, it is far more aggressive than the common alligator snapping turtle. While docile in the water, once on land, they exhibit extreme aggression, charging and biting fiercely, even twisting their bodies to find and chase their prey. Common snapping turtles have sharp teeth and a powerful bite; sometimes they even bite off their owner's fingers in one gulp—such incidents are not uncommon.
7. The world's longest-living turtle (Rafetus spp.)
While most turtle species have long lifespans, the Yangtze giant softshell turtle (Rafetus spp.) is undoubtedly the longest-lived. It is one of the rarest species in the world, with only one known individual existing in Hanoi, Vietnam. The longevity of the Yangtze giant softshell turtle is astonishing. For example, a male named "Fang Fang" in the Yangtze giant softshell turtle colony at Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou lived for over 400 years, finally passing away in 2007; another Yangtze giant softshell turtle in Hoan Kiem Lake, Vietnam, lived for over a century, unfortunately passing away in 2016. Their lifespans far exceed those of other turtle species such as the Aldabra giant tortoise and many land tortoises, truly making them "longevity stars" among turtles.
8. The world's shortest-lived turtle (leaf turtle)
Among turtles, the leaf turtle has the shortest lifespan. This uniquely shaped turtle typically has a short lifespan, ranging from only 15 to 25 years. Compared to tortoises and sea turtles, freshwater turtles generally have shorter lifespans, partly due to the harsh conditions of their wild environment. Wild freshwater turtles even have shorter lifespans than those in captivity.
Leaf turtles face extreme difficulty surviving in their natural environment and have very strict requirements for water quality, which leads to a significant reduction in their lifespan. Even captive leaf turtles do not have a long lifespan, as owners need to constantly maintain the pH level of the water within the range of 5.5 to 6.5, which is crucial for their lifespan.
9. The world's most expensive tortoise (Angloka giant tortoise)
Among turtles, the Angonoka tortoise, also known as the Madagascar giant tortoise, is considered one of the most expensive turtle species in the world. With a wild population of fewer than 400 individuals, it is exceptionally precious and rare. This tortoise is collected and kept by reptile enthusiasts in Southeast Asia, China, South Korea, Japan, the United States, and Europe, but becoming its owner is extremely difficult and requires a very high level of expertise.
Angolan giant tortoises are expensive in domestic and international markets, usually priced per centimeter of length, at about $1,000 per centimeter, making them the "Louis Vuitton" of tortoises.
10. The world's most drought-resistant tortoise (Egyptian tortoise)
The Egyptian tortoise is considered one of the most drought-tolerant tortoise species in the world. They were once widely distributed near the Sahara Desert, living in desert and semi-arid regions such as sandy plains, rocky areas, sandy dry valleys, and arid woodlands. This tortoise is herbivorous, feeding on annual plants that grow after rain.
Egyptian tortoises are adapted to living in dry environments and require far less water than other tortoises. A dry, cool environment is their most comfortable habitat than a humid rainforest.
The list of the top ten turtle species was determined by comprehensively considering factors such as price, size, lifespan, popularity, and influence. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment/criticize at the end.
