13 Types of Turtles That Make Great Pets If you want a pet turtle, consider these species. By Gemma Johnstone Gemma Johnstone Gemma Johnstone is a dog expert and writer with over 15 years of experience in the pet industry and as an animal welfare advocate. She has worked for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and fundraises and volunteers for local dog rescues. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 10/10/25 Reviewed by Natasha Diehl Reviewed by Natasha Diehl Dr. Diehl is a passionate veterinarian pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years' experience with exotic pets. She now works with a team of other experienced vets to provide the best advice and care for their clients' pets. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: The Spruce / Krystal Slagle Key Takeaways Keeping turtles as pets is a significant commitment due to their long lifespan and specific care needs.Handling turtles should be minimized to avoid stress, as many are prone to becoming aggressive or stressed if handled too much.It's essential to maintain proper hygiene practices to avoid health risks like salmonella transmission from turtles to humans. Pet turtles are quiet and relatively undemanding, which makes them an appealing option as a companion. They aren't particularly interactive or cuddly creatures, they can carry diseases, and with their famously long lifespans, they may even outlive you. There is a wide variety of turtle species, and some make better pets than others. Some will grow to a very large size, others are known for being more sociable and less aggressive, and they all have different requirements for space, lighting, and diet. Here are 15 turtle species that make good pets, and everything you need to know to properly care for them. Tip Turtles aren't generally a good choice of pet for young children. They can become stressed or aggressive if handled too much or improperly. Turtles can also carry the salmonella bacteria, which could be transferred to children if they don't have good hygiene practices. 01 of 13 Red-Eared Slider Credit: Ville Hägg / Getty Images Red-eared sliders are one of the most popular of all aquatic turtle species. They tend to be friendlier and more sociable than some of their relatives, they're pretty active, and they're widely available, usually costing around $20 on average. Also, the males are some of the easiest turtles to care for. These turtles are generally housed indoors, but with the right shelter, cleaning, and warmer temperatures, they can also do well in an outdoor pond. As they mature, it can be easier to provide them with the space they need outside. Red-eared sliders can grow to a decent size, and their tank will need to be large and have adequate areas for basking. It will need UV lighting and a good water filtration system. These guys are known for being rather messy! Their size, subsequent dietary needs, and larger housing requirements mean they can be more expensive to look after than some turtles. With the right care, though, they're generally a hardy and healthy species, and frequently surpass 50 years of age. Like other turtles, it’s best to keep handling to a minimum to avoid stressing them. Species Overview Common Names: Red-eared slider turtle, red-eared slider, red-eared terrapin, red-eared turtle, slider turtle, water slider turtleScientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegansAdult Size: Around 12 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Green and yellow markings on skin and shell; red patch behind each eyeLife Span: 20 to 30 years 02 of 13 African Sideneck Turtle Credit: R. Andrew Odum / Getty Images African sideneck turtles are unique little aquatic turtles with distinctive long necks that can't be retracted fully into their shell, and their anatomy differs from traditional water-based turtles. Because of their unique appearance and size, they're often a popular choice, but they have more complex care requirements than some other turtles. Their water needs to be kept very clean and requires weekly changing. A good filtration system, however, facilitates less frequent changing. They also need a fresh and varied diet to prevent Vitamin A and D3 deficiencies. Despite their small size, they enjoy swimming and need a large tank, ideally at least 75 gallons. They need suitable basking platforms with UV lights for them to lie under. And the temperature should never drop below 70 F—this is one of the reasons that they're best kept indoors. Sidenecks can be curious turtles that, if you don't force interactions, won't scuttle away to hide when you come to observe them. However, they shouldn’t be handled. Also, they typically cost $50 to $100 on average. Species Overview Common Names: African side-neck turtle, African side-necked turtle, African helmeted turtleScientific Name: Pelomedusa subrufaAdult Size: 8 to 12 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Dark brown shell; olive to brown skin; black markings on headLife Span: Can be up to (and sometimes more than) 50 years 03 of 13 Eastern Box Turtle Credit: Brandon Oh / Getty Images Eastern box turtles need a lot of space, but they're adaptable and, with the right housing, they can live indoors or outdoors. They can cost $50 to $300 on average. They prefer a humid environment, and need a shallow pool of water in their enclosure and a moist substrate. Also, they will need a UVB basking light if they're kept indoors. If their environment is too cold and dry, it can lead to them more easily picking up respiratory infections. These turtles can be shy, but they don't tend to be aggressive, and with the right gentle interactions and minimal handling, you can start to see their personality come out. They may even be tempted out to greet you if you have a tasty tidbit. Species Overview Common Names: Eastern box turtle, land turtleScientific Name: Terrapene carolina carolinaAdult Size: 5 to 7 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Brown high-domed shell with bright yellow, orange, and red markingsLife Span: 40 to 50 years in captivity with good care (and up to 100 years in the wild) 04 of 13 Western Painted Turtle Credit: Darrell Gulin / Getty Images A Western painted turtle could appeal if you want a turtle that is distinctive and attractive to look at. They have detailed shell markings. Although they aren't big, these aquatic turtles need a large tank or outdoor space, a good water filtration system, and basking lights to help maintain a warm temperature. Their housing needs are similar to that of the red-eared slider. Because they like to eat while swimming, selecting food that can be easily lifted out of the water if it isn't eaten is a good choice to help keep the tank clean for longer. They can be quite shy and aren't turtles that will enjoy frequent handling. They are also more expensive than some other turtles, with average prices from $100 to $200. Species Overview Common Names: Western painted turtleScientific Name: Chrysemys picta belliiAdult Size: Up to 10 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Olive to dark brown upper shell; yellow, red, or orange lower shell; yellow, orange, and red stripes on skinLife Span: Can be up to (and sometimes more than) 50 years Continue to 5 of 13 below 05 of 13 Mississippi Map Turtle Credit: Peter Paplanus / Wikicommons / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License Mississippi map turtles have a distinctive dorsal fin running along their shell, and this is why they're also sometimes referred to as the "sawback". They don't need quite as big an enclosure as some of their aquatic turtle relatives, and this can make them an appealing choice for those with space limitations. While they can live up to 30 years, their lifespan is a bit shorter than average. And they can cost around $30 to over $100, depending on factors like the breeder you purchase from and the turtle’s age. They can be warier of people than some other turtles, and this means they can be more prone to stress. You'll need to keep handling to a minimum and create an environment that allows them peace and places to take cover. Map turtles tend to be quite hardy and less prone to health issues than some species. However, potential problems include intestinal parasites, infections, metabolic bone disease, and overgrown beak and nails. Clean water, good lighting, and an appropriate diet are absolutely essential to prevent health issues, fungal infections, and deficiencies. Species Overview Common Name: Mississippi map turtleScientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica kohniAdult Size: Up to 10 inches (females); up to 5 inches (males)Physical Characteristics: Dark olive to brown upper shell with ridge; yellow lower shell; yellow stripes on head; crescent shaped yellow marks behind eyesLife Span: 15 to 25 years, but up to and over 30 years possible 06 of 13 Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot) Credit: NPS Photo / M.Reed / Flckr / Creative Commons Public Domain Mark I Common musk turtles are one of the more popular aquatic turtle species. They're small, and their care requirements are a little less intensive than some. They aren't turtles that do well with a lot of handling, though. They can be feisty and, if they feel threatened, they release a foul and musky odor. This is how they got their nickname: "the stinkpot". They aren't as strong swimmers as some aquatic turtles, so the water in their enclosure shouldn't be too deep. They should also have plenty of areas to get out of the water easily to bask under UVB lighting. As with all other species, prices vary based on various factors, but you could find these turtles for sale for under $100. Species Overview Common Names: Common musk turtle, Eastern musk turtle, stinkpotScientific Name: Sternotherus OdoratusAdult Size: 3 to 5 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Black, gray, or brown shell; yellow stripes from nose to neck; males have spikes on tailsLife Span: Up to and over 50 years 07 of 13 Spotted Turtle Credit: Anne Devan-Song / Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 If you have limited space and are looking for an aquatic turtle, the spotted turtle is one of the smallest species allowed to be kept in captivity. They're also pretty to look at, with their distinctive spotted shell, and with the right housing, they can live indoors or out. These turtles can cost $100 or more, and they're a long-term commitment, with some living to be over 100 years of age! Like musk turtles, they aren't particularly strong swimmers, so their water should not be too deep. They also need warm basking platforms and ornaments that provide them with the opportunity to get out to rest. A good varied diet with plenty of meat, along with some leafy greens and fruit, is important too. And, like other turtles, handling should be kept to a minimum with the spotted turtle. Species Overview Common Names: Spotted turtle, Clemmy, Michigan spotted turtleScientific Name: Clemmys GuttataAdult Size: 4 to 5 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Yellow spots on black upper shell; yellow to orange lower shell; dark skin with yellow, pink, and orange markingsLife Span: Can easily live up to 50 years, with some recorded as living over 100 years 08 of 13 Yellow-Bellied Slider Credit: Joe McDonald / Getty Images Yellow-bellied sliders are one of the most popular aquatic turtle species to keep as pets, as they tend to be relatively hardy when they get the right diet, enclosure, and lighting. They need a large tank or suitable outdoor enclosure, as they're bigger than the likes of the stinkpot or the spotted turtle. Unlike some turtles, they tend to be most active during the day, which appeals to a lot of pet parents looking to observe them. They get stressed by handling, and bite when they feel threatened, but you might be able to get them used to some handling over time. Because of their popularity, they're relatively easy to come by. Just make sure you source your yellow-bellied slider from a reputable breeder or supplier. These turtles are affordable, as hatchlings might cost around $20 on average while adults might be up to $100 on average. Species Overview Common Names: Yellow-bellied sliderScientific Name: Trachemys scripta scriptaAdult Size: 5 to 9 inches (males); 8 to 13 inches (females)Physical Characteristics: Brown or black upper shell with yellow stripes; yellow lower shell with black spotsLife Span: Up to 40 years Continue to 9 of 13 below 09 of 13 Reeve's Turtle Credit: Denise Chan / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 The Reeve's turtle is probably one of the most sociable of all the turtles on this list. They typically cost $50 or more on average. With care and patience, they sometimes even enjoy being stroked, which is unusual for an aquatic turtle. Of course, handling can still be stressful for them, so this should only be done when needed. Their care requirements are similar to the red-eared slider, although they're smaller and don't require such a large enclosure. They tend to be a relatively healthy turtle, although they don't have such a long life expectancy. This may appeal to people who aren’t looking for such a lengthy commitment. Species Overview Common Names: Reeve's turtle, Chinese pond turtle, Chinese three-keeled pond turtleScientific Name: Mauremys reevesiiAdult Size: 6 to 9 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Olive, tan, or black upper shell; cream, tan, or yellow lower shell with dark markings; yellow markings on neck and headLife Span: 10 to 15 years usually, or up to 20 years 10 of 13 Wood Turtle Credit: Colin Osborn / USFWS / Flickr / Public Domain Mark 1.0 The wood turtle is known for being very friendly with the right handling and interaction, and pretty hardy. Their needs aren't as complex as most aquatic species. They do need a decent-sized enclosure, though, and this means they're often best suited to being kept in an outdoor environment. Because they aren't aquatic, they could drown in water that's too deep, so it's important to keep their pond area at a suitably low level. They also need a diet that is high in protein. Suitable foods include insects, slugs, earthworms, snails, and more, along with leafy greens. These turtles aren't so easy to come by and can be illegal to keep in certain states. You should make sure you do your research and ensure you're sourcing a wood turtle from a reputable and ethical breeder. They can cost hundreds of dollars. Species Overview Common Names: Wood turtle, old red legScientific Name: Glyptemys insculptaAdult Size: 5 to 8 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Olive green to brown upper shell; yellow or brown lower shell with dark markings; yellow, orange, or red coloration on neck and legsLife Span: Up to 50 years 11 of 13 Russian Tortoise Credit: Teddi Yaeger Photography/Getty Images Also known as the Horsfield’s tortoise, the small Russian tortoise can be housed indoors and outside, and they require time outdoors. Because they like to burrow, ensuring the enclosure is secure is imperative when they’re outside. Their enclosure should have sand/soil substrate, UVA/UVB light, and a basking spot, and it needs to be large enough to give your pet plenty of room. These tortoises also hibernate. To keep your tortoise healthy, feed them a variety of plants that are suitable. Don’t give them animal protein, grains, or fruits. You can interact with this tortoise, and you can get them accustomed to being handled, provided that they don’t get stressed when you hold them. They typically cost around $200. Species Overview Common Names: Russian tortoise, Afghan tortoise, Afghanistan tortoise, steppe tortoise, Central Asian tortoise, four-toed tortoise, Horsfield's tortoiseScientific Name: Agrionemys horsfieldii or Testudo horsfieldii (Recently given its own genus as Agrionemys horsfieldii, but still commonly referred to as Testudo horsfieldii)Adult Size: 4 to 8 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Olive to light tan upper shell with dark markings; four toes on front legsLife Span: 50 years 12 of 13 Red-Footed Tortoise Credit: warren farnell / Getty Images The red-footed tortoise is easy to care for, and is not considered high-maintenance, especially when you set up their enclosure properly to give them everything they need in terms of heating, lighting, humidity, and substrate. These docile tortoises don’t like being handled, and are also known for being shy and hiding. They can bite with their strong mouth. They need a large outdoor enclosure that is escape-proof because they like to burrow. When you need to keep them indoors, they require a very large enclosure, so be sure you have the space for them. These tortoises are expensive, with average prices between $150 and $500. Also, because they can live a long time, they are a long-term commitment. Species Overview Common Names: Red-footed tortoise, redfoot tortoise, redleg tortoise, Savannah tortoiseScientific Name: Geochelone carbonaria Adult Size: 10 to 16 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Black, gray, or brown shell with tan or yellow areas; orange, red, or yellow marks on body and faceLife Span: Up to 50 years Continue to 13 of 13 below 13 of 13 Hermann's Tortoise Credit: Richard Bailey/Corbis Documentary/Getty Images The Hermann’s tortoise doesn’t get too large as an adult. These tortoises are also docile and rarely bite—however, they don’t like being handled. One thing to keep in mind is that this pet does best when housed outdoors in a secure enclosure. If you don’t live in an area with a climate similar to that of the Mediterranean, this pet may not be right for you. And to prevent your tortoise from hibernating, keep their enclosure at a consistent temperature. Provide your Hermann’s tortoise with a varied diet that includes grasses, leafy greens, and some fruits and vegetables. These tortoises are more expensive than some other pet turtles. Their cost can range from $150 to $500 on average. Species Overview Common Name: Hermann's tortoiseScientific Name: Testudo hermanniAdult Size: 6 to 8 inchesPhysical Characteristics: Brown and yellow shell; thick scalesLife Span: 75 years or more Explore more: Reptiles & Amphibians Aquatic Turtles