Basic Greek Tortoise Care Recommendation
Without a doubt, more and more people are becoming interested in keeping wildlife animals like the tortoise. But different species of these animals may require specific requirements that are unique to their type, like the Greek tortoise requirements that are different from any other species.
Greek tortoise Quick Facts
| Common name | Greek tortoise |
| Scientific name | Testudo graeca |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Testudines |
| Family | Testudinidae |
| Genus | Testudo |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable |
| Type | Reptile (tortoise) |
| Diet | Plant eater; needs extra calcium in captivity |
| Size | Shell up to 20 cm (8 in) long |
| Colours | Tan to yellowish shell with some black |
| Special feature | Pointed spur on each thigh |
The Greek, or sometimes referred to as spur-thighed, got its name because of its huge pointed tubercle on each side of its thigh. Under this species are several substrates that share the species main characteristics.
Anatomy of a Tortoise:
Common Characteristics:
- Varying color
- Having a carapace which could reach up to 20cm
- The color of carapace may range from tan to yellowish with a touch of black
- Its lower shell may have a varying color
- Its remaining body parts have yellowish to brown to grey color.
- Its head, just like its other body parts, may vary in color
- It has noticeable wider scales that overlap each other
They are intolerant of high humid environment, thus, they can do well even when housed indoors. But this does not mean that the keepers should keep them indoors for the rest of their life. Allowing them to roam around in an enclosure is ideal to keep them even healthier.
Just like the smaller species, most recommendations discourage housing them in an aquarium. Since aquariums limit the free flow of fresh air, which is very important in a growing animal, an aquarium is the last place you would put your Greek tortoise.
Diet
Although herbivores, they would need sufficient amounts of Calcium to support their daily calcium needs. When in an enclosure, the keeper must ensure that they are getting the required amount of daily calcium through a supplement.
Greek tortoise FAQs
Why is the Greek tortoise also called spur-thighed?
It has a large pointed bump, or spur, on each side of its thigh.
How big do Greek tortoises get?
Their shells can grow up to about 20 centimetres (8 inches) long.
What do Greek tortoises eat?
Greek tortoises are plant eaters. In captivity they also need a calcium supplement every day.
What do Greek tortoises look like?
The shell is usually tan to yellowish with some black, and the head, legs and body can be yellowish, brown or gray.
Can a Greek tortoise live in an aquarium?
It is not a good idea. Fresh air is very important for a growing tortoise, and aquariums block the air flow, so it is better to let them roam in an open enclosure.
Randi Jones is the owner and founder of the Nature Gift Store, an online retailer specializing in nature-themed gifts, educational science projects, live animal nature kits and real butterfly artwork. A biology graduate who fell in love with insects, she founded the company in 2001 to make active learning about nature fun, accessible and engaging for children and adults. Her store offers real butterfly frames, home and garden decor and educational live animal kits, including ant farms, worm farms, tadpoles, ladybugs and hermit crabs, and she runs a bug museum in Washington featuring live animals like Eddie the Iguana alongside other reptiles and insects.
