In popular culture, the tortoise is often portrayed as a gentle giant. Species from the Galápagos Islands and other far corners of the world certainly live up to this reputation. But there are also several species of tortoise that never get any bigger than a shoe box.
Smaller species are particularly well-suited to the pet world. They require much less space than their giant cousins and are easier to care for simply because they don’t require more than one person to lift or move around!
In this article, you’ll learn about my favorite types of tortoises that stay small and what sets each species apart. I’ll also give some tips and tricks for deciding which tortoise will be the best pet for you.
Types of Tortoises
To the untrained eye, one tortoise is not much different than the next. But for all of their similarities, there’s also a lot of diversity among the 50 or so tortoise species currently living in the world.
In this section, I’ll introduce you to the groups of tortoises that contain most of the smaller domesticated species.
Mediterranean Tortoises
Nearly all pet tortoises smaller than 12 inches long belong to the Mediterranean group, or the genus Testudo. Popular members of this group include the Russian, Egyptian, and Greek tortoises, among several others.
Mediterranean tortoises are native to parts of eastern Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Most species live in shrublands that are arid but not quite desert-like. They are exclusive herbivores that spend most of their time grazing on grasses, low-growing shrubs, and the occasional fruit or wildflower.
The fact that Mediterranean tortoises live in a relatively temperate climate (in comparison to the harsh desert or tropical rainforest) makes them easier to care for than many other species. These tortoises fare quite well in the average household when given the right enclosure. Mediterranean tortoises can also live outdoors in some climates.
Their popularity in the pet trade also makes these tortoises easier to come by. In my experience, members of the Mediterranean group are least likely to be illegally sourced and are less expensive (on average) than rarer species. However, purchasing or adopting your tortoise through a reputable source is still incredibly important to the well-being of wild tortoises.
Star Tortoises
This group includes a number of species characterized by the starburst patterns on their shells. The main members of this group (and those most likely to be kept as pets) are the Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) and the Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota).
These two species are native to parts of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. They primarily live in dry forests and shrublands.
Unfortunately, both species mentioned here are at risk of extinction. Wild populations have been decimated by the illegal pet trade, which is driven by the unique physical appearance of these tortoises in comparison to more common species like the Russian or Greek tortoise. Ethically bred star tortoises are expensive and difficult to come by.
6 Varieties of Tortoises That Stay Small
Many of the most popular pet tortoise species are also those that stay the smallest. This is because small or dwarf tortoises (as they can also be referred to as) are easier to house and care for—many can even be kept in a sizable apartment.
Size is not the only consideration when choosing a pet tortoise, however, and there’s a surprising degree of diversity in just the handful of species covered below. Be sure to take the time to understand your needs and desires and research which of these species best aligns with them.
1. Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)
- Other Names: Kleinmann’s tortoise, Leith’s tortoise, Negev tortoise
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered
- Lifespan: 50 years or longer
The Egyptian tortoise is the smallest of not just the Mediterranean group but of any tortoise commonly seen in the pet trade. At maturity, this species measures just 5 inches long and weighs less than a pound on average. Some specimens are even smaller.
Egyptian tortoises have noticeably domed shells and are “no bigger than a baked potato.” The typical specimen is light in color, a reflection of its native habitat in the Egyptian and Libyan deserts. Egyptian tortoises are more well-adapted to hot, dry conditions than other Testudo species.
It’s common for these tortoises to be most active in the earliest and latest hours of the day. This behavior is likely a hold over from desert life.
Egyptian tortoises also like to burrow or scuttle underneath larger rocks. A well-designed enclosure will include spaces for your tortoise to easily hide and shelter itself from the mid-day sun.
I’ve found that many owners provide a daily dose of mist or fog to their Egyptian tortoises’ enclosures. With this setup, however, it’s extremely important that the enclosure is allowed to completely dry out each day. Egyptian tortoises are not built to handle prolonged humidity over about 60%.
2. Russian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)
- Other Names: Afghanistan tortoise, steppe tortoise, Horsfield’s tortoise, four-toed tortoise
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
- Lifespan: Up to 50 years
The Russian tortoise is one of the most common species kept as pets. It is relatively easy to care for and remains small enough to keep indoors in the right enclosure. I often see Russian tortoises recommended to new owners.
A mature Russian tortoise will grow up to 8 inches long and weigh around 2 to 3 pounds at most. Female tortoises are bigger on average and also have rounder shells than their male counterparts.
These tortoises have a fairly large native range. Unsurprisingly, many Russian tortoises are found in parts of Russia. However, there are also noteworthy populations in China and throughout the Middle East. This species is found further east than any other within the Testudo genus.
Russian tortoise habitats include dry hills and steppes predominantly covered in rocks and sand. Like other Mediterranean tortoises, the bulk of their diet comes from tough grasses and shrubs. While this species isn’t a true desert tortoise, it is adapted to survive long periods with little to no water.
Wild Russian tortoises typically hibernate for up to 5 months out of the year. While captive hibernation is often recommended for its health benefits, note that pet tortoises don’t always want or need to hibernate.
3. Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca)
- Other Names: Moorish tortoise, spur-thighed tortoise
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
- Lifespan: Up to 100 years or longer
The Greek tortoise is another popular species often kept as a pet, known for its attractive appearance and relatively easy care requirements. Like Russian tortoises, Greek tortoises are small enough to be housed indoors with the right setup, making them a great choice for all climates.
Adult Greek tortoises typically reach lengths of about 6 to 10 inches, with females being slightly larger than males. They have domed, yellow or tan-colored shells marked with dark blotches. There are a few subspecies of Greek tortoise recognized in the pet trade—e.g., the Ibera and golden Greek tortoises—which have more distinct colorings.
Native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa, Greek tortoises inhabit a range of environments, from dry scrublands to salty, coastal areas. Like other Mediterranean tortoises, their diet consists mainly of fibrous plants, such as grasses and rough leafy greens.
Greek tortoises are known for their particularly lengthy life expectancies, with the average captive tortoise living to be 75 or older. Some Greek tortoises have lived to 125.
4. Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)
- Other Names: Dalmatian tortoise
- Conservation Status: Near threatened
- Lifespan: 50 to 100 years
While lesser-known than some other members of the Mediterranean group, I’ve noticed that Hermann’s tortoises are quickly gaining popularity among pet tortoise enthusiasts.
Fully grown Hermann’s tortoises usually reach about 6 to 8 inches in length, with females generally being larger than males. Their shells are yellow with brown or black markings, though the exact colors and patterns vary from one tortoise to the next.
Hermann’s tortoises are native to southern Europe, primarily found in areas across Italy, Spain, and the Balkans. They thrive in the average Mediterranean climate, living in rocky hillsides, scrublands, and forests.
Many Hermann’s owners remark that these tortoises have particularly calm, laid back personalities. A Hermann’s tortoise may grow attached to its owner with consistent care and attention.
With that said, a Hermann’s tortoise is not the ideal house pet (despite its small size). This species much prefers an outdoor enclosure in a climate that mimics the Mediterranean.
5. Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)
- Other Names: Star tortoise
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
- Lifespan: Up to 80 years
Despite its relative rarity in the pet trade, the Indian star tortoise is well-known for its striking shell appearance. Mature Indian star tortoises are also on the smaller size, with females measuring about 10 inches long and males measuring just 6 to 7 inches long.
Indian star tortoises are unique in the sense that they’re native to dry parts of south Asia but can also survive the area’s seasonal monsoons. This tortoise is one of the trickier species to keep as a pet because its natural habitat is so hard to replicate.
Most pet Indian star tortoises are kept in outdoor enclosures. Of course, this requires living in an area with the right combination of heat and humidity to meet their needs. While keeping one of these tortoises indoors is rare, it is possible to do so with a closed enclosure that makes it easier to control the ambient humidity.
Adult Indian star tortoises require humidity levels between 40 and 75%. The enclosure temperature should be at or above room temperature with an isolated basking spot at 95 to 100°F.
While caring for one of these tortoises can be very rewarding, Indian star tortoises are also known for being exceptionally shy. Your pet Indian star tortoise will not enjoy being handled and, more likely than not, will prefer to spend most of its time being left alone!
6. Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)
- Other Names: Tornier’s tortoise
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered
- Lifespan: 35 years or longer
Even less common than the Indian star tortoise is the pancake tortoise. This species is incredibly unique-looking thanks to its flat, flexible shell. Don’t let that fool you, though, because the pancake tortoise is also surprisingly agile. Adult pancake tortoises measure just 5 to 7 inches long.
Pancake tortoises come from East Africa. Their natural habitats consist almost entirely of rocky hillsides. This tortoise species is well-equipped to scramble over and hide among the rocks it lives among. Most experts agree that this is why the pancake tortoise evolved to have such an interesting shape.
While a pet tortoise hopefully has no reason to actually hide from danger, this species still enjoys sliding into crevices between rocks and other structures. The enclosure should take this into account, providing an environment that allows the pancake tortoise to engage in these natural survival instincts.
Pancake tortoises come from the desert but still require relatively high humidity. Remember that these tortoises spend most of their time in burrows and rock crevices, which can be much more humid than the outside air. Aim for daytime humidity levels of 50 to 60%.
Like the other tortoises in this article, pancake tortoises are herbivores. Their diet consists almost entirely of grasses and leafy greens.
Choosing the Right Tortoise Variety
Selecting a pet tortoise is not about which species looks or sounds the coolest. This is a potentially lifelong commitment, and you need to ensure both your and your new tortoise’s needs will be met for years to come.
I always advise researching what current owners have to say about any tortoise species you’re considering. This is a great way to learn about the nitty-gritty details that go into caring for both the more common and niche species on this list. Some of my favorite sources include web forums and social media platforms like Reddit.
Once you’ve narrowed down a few possible species, housing should be your biggest consideration. Each tortoise species has unique housing needs that you may or may not be able to accommodate. For example, do you live in a climate that would permit you to build and maintain an outdoor enclosure year-round? If not, you’ll want to look at species that can thrive indoors (i.e., members of the Mediterranean group).
Also, remember that even the smallest tortoises need a good amount of space to remain happy and healthy. If you’re tight on space, a two-story enclosure may be an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smallest pet tortoise?
The Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) is the smallest species available as a pet. These tortoises measure just 5 inches long at maturity (males and smaller females may be as small as 3 inches long).
How long do small tortoises live?
While giant tortoises are famous for their long lifespans, even small species can live for an extraordinarily long time. For example, the tiny Egyptian tortoise lives 50 years on average, with some living up to 75 or 100 years with proper care.
Citations
British Chelonia Group Caresheet for Mediterranean Tortoises
Tortoise Trust Star Tortoise Basics
Reptiles Magazine The Egyptian Tortoise, Testudo kleinmanni in Captivity
Turtle Survival Alliance Pancake Tortoise
