Turtles are animals known for their characteristic shells.All species of turtles belong to the order of reptiles. The scientific name of turtles is the same as their order, which is Testudines.Turtles can be found in most of the countries of the world. They live in water as well as on land. They are considered to be closely related to crocodiles. In modern times, turtle species are divided into two broad subcategories, namely side-necked turtles and hidden neck turtles. This distinction is based on the retraction movement of their heads.Turtles are cold-blooded animals that are mostly omnivorous in nature. They feed on plants and small animals that they can easily find in their close vicinity. While some turtle species can migrate short distances during certain seasons, sea turtles are the only species that migrate for a long distance in search of a favorable place to lay their eggs.If you find this fun facts article interesting, you might also enjoy reading our articles about spiny softshell turtle facts and turtles out of their shells here at Kidadl.The Names Of The Turtles That Stay SmallThere are a number of turtle species, and each species is distinctively unique in its own way. While some species of turtle can grow and mature to a decent size, there are some species that can remain small. Some of the turtles that stay small even after they are fully grown are listed below.The red-eared slider is one of the small turtle breeds that people keep as pets. Red-eared sliders got their name because of the red marks near their ears on either side of their heads. The average life expectancy of a red-eared slider turtle is about 20-40 years. The size of this turtle is around 12 in (30 cm). Usually, the females are bigger than the males. This turtle belongs to the category of quarter turtles native to North America.Map turtles are another breed of small turtles. The average size of a map turtle in females is about 10.5 in (26.6 cm), and in males, it is about 6.5 in (16.5 cm). These turtles have the same life expectancy as that of the red-eared slider. A map turtle is called this because of the contour-like patterns that can be seen on its limbs, head, and carapace.Painted turtles are also considered to be small turtles. The subspecies of this turtle include the western painted turtle, southern painted turtle, midland painted turtle, and eastern painted turtle. The average size of painted turtles ranges between 5.5-6 in (13-15 cm). The lifespan of this animal is about 30-40 years. They are generally found in North America. People find them attractive due to the colorful markings on their bodies.Another small turtle breed is the musk turtle. The subspecies of musk turtles include razorback musk turtles, common musk turtles, flattened musk turtles, and loggerhead musk turtles. The musk turtle has an average adult size of three to five in (7.6-12.7 cm). Musk turtles are recognized by the clear keep along the center of their carapace and the brownish tan color that they come in. An interesting fact about the common musk turtle is that it oozes a foul smell when it gets scared or feels threatened.Mud turtles are similar to musk turtles in nature and appearance. Striped mud turtles are a subspecies of mud turtles, along with eastern mud turtles, yellow mud turtles, and Mississippi mud turtles. The average adult size of a mud turtle is about three to four in (7.6-10.16 cm). These turtles like to live in small ponds.The diamondback terrapin is also a small turtle breed. The size of this turtle is around 5.1 in (13 cm). Diamondback terrapins are famous for the diamond patterns on their carapaces. This turtle is a type of pond turtle, yet it prefers salty or brackish water. They also have shells that come in various colors.Box turtles are also considered to be small turtle breeds. Among the common box turtle subspecies are the eastern box turtle, ornate box turtle, desert box turtle, and the three-toed box turtle. Box turtles have an average size of five to seven in (12.7-17.78 cm). The life expectancy of box turtles in captivity is around 40 years. Meanwhile, a box turtle’s lifespan increases to 100 years in the wild. Even though they fall under the category of pond turtles, box turtles are actually terrestrial. Thus, instead of an aquarium, they need a terrarium.The list of small turtles cannot be complete without mentioning the spotted turtle. Spotted turtles are quite attractive animals. Spotted turtles are semi-aquatic turtles. The average size of a medium spotted turtle is 15.9 in (40.5 cm). Spotted turtles are considered to be close relatives of bog turtles.What is the smallest full-grown turtle?Until now, we explored the turtle species that remain small even after they have matured. But which of them is the smallest breed?The smallest species of turtle in the world is the speckled padloper tortoise. The term ‘padloper’ in the name of the turtle means ’trail walker’. This term is a reference to the paths and skinny trails of South Africa, which is this turtle’s native home. The size of the speckled padloper tortoise is around 2.4-3.9 in (6.09-9.9 cm) for adult females and 2.4-3.1 in (6.09-7.8 cm) for adult males.Due to their small size, these turtles can easily be susceptible to predator attacks. However, their size also becomes an advantage when they have to hide in small spaces like crevices in the wild to avoid a predator. They are classified as a ’near threatened’ species, and not much is known about their population or distribution.The speckled padloper is technically a tortoise, and all tortoises are turtles. But what is the smallest turtle? Well, the smallest turtles in the world are North American bog turtles. This turtle has a size of about 4.5 in (11.43 cm). The turtle can be found in the marshes that spread across the east coast of the United States. These turtles have black-colored heads with small yellow and orange spots on the side.What is the best kind of turtle to have as a pet?The animals kept as pets can be a range of different terrestrial or aquatic animals. Many people keep different types of turtles as pets. However, not all turtle breeds are suitable to be kept as pet turtles.Pet turtles need proper care and nourishment to live for a long time in captivity. Pet turtles of different kinds need different living spaces and diets. While some turtles require an aquarium, there are some that need a terrarium. Furthermore, there are some breeds of turtle, such as spotted turtles, that require both an aquarium and a terrarium. You should be careful about the amount of water in the tank of these turtles as they can drown easily.Moreover, a pet turtle doesn’t just require a living space but also a basking spot. They also require UV lighting and suitable temperatures. While turtles are largely omnivores, there are some which are only carnivores, and adults mostly prefer plants. You can provide your pet turtle with a healthy diet of leafy greens, insects, and other food items, depending on the particular species.Since such care is required from turtle owners, many find that small turtles make the best kinds of pets. They require less care and living space in comparison to other turtle species.Are small turtles good pets?Small pet turtles are really great pets. Pet turtles that stay small are easy to handle and need smaller living spaces.A few-gallon aquarium or a small terrarium is enough for these tiny creatures. Even though many of the small turtle breeds do not like to be handled much, and some of them can also be aggressive, they are still well behaved and passive when left to their own devices. Since they have fewer needs, it is easy for people to keep them as pets. However, they are still animals who need proper care and nourishment.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our article with all of the most interesting facts about turtles that stay small, then why not take a look at our facts about the oldest river in the world or the lifespan of an otter?
Turtles are animals known for their characteristic shells.
