Last Updated on: 24th January 2023, 09:41 am
Small tortoises are adorable and easy to keep. You won’t need as much space for their enclosures, and they don’t eat as much food. A miniature tortoise is a cute pocket pet that never seems to grow.
The Egyptian tortoise is the tiniest at about 3-5 inches. The Indian star tortoise follows that at 5-8 inches, and the Greek tortoise at 4-9 inches.
Pancake tortoises have flat shells and never grow longer than 6-7 inches, and Russian tortoises and Hermann’s tortoises reach 5-9 inches.
Male tortoises are usually smaller than female tortoises. Females need more energy during their reproductive cycle, especially during egg production.
Are There Miniature Tortoises?
Some miniature tortoises never grow beyond 10 inches, even as adults. Like the Egyptian tortoise, some species won’t grow any bigger once they reach 5 inches.
Here are six pet tortoises that stay small forever:
| Small Tortoise Species | Size Range |
| Russian (Horsefield) Tortoise | 5 to 9 inches |
| Egyptian (Kleinmann’s) Tortoise | 3 to 5 inches |
| Hermann’s Tortoise | 5 to 9 inches |
| Greek (Spur-Thighed) Tortoise | 4 to 9 inches |
| Indian Star Tortoise | 5 to 8 inches |
| Pancake Tortoise | 6 to 7 inches |
Are Mini Tortoises Good Pets?
From a practical and aesthetic standpoint, you can benefit from a small tortoise that’ll:
- Stay cute forever: A mini tortoise won’t grow beyond its adorable size, no matter how old it gets.
- Be easy to handle: You won’t struggle to hold a little tortoise, and there’s less risk of dropping it.
- Small enclosure: Mini tortoises won’t take up much space, even in studio apartments or bedrooms.
- Eat very little: Tortoises don’t have big appetites, but mini tortoises require even less to eat.
Some negatives could make a smaller tortoise a bad choice:
- Less safe for children or pets: Excited children may hurt this tiny pet by accident, and their shells are less resilient against a playful cat or dog.
- Safest indoors: The smaller the tortoise is, the more vulnerable it will be to weather changes and predators. So, you may need to keep your tiny pet tortoise indoors.
- Expensive to buy when very small: Common species, like Russian tortoises, may cost a few hundred dollars, while extremely small Egyptian tortoises will cost thousands of dollars.
- Hard to find: Super mini tortoises are exotic pets, so they may not be available at all pet stores.
What Kind of Tortoises Stay Small?
Tortoises vary in size when they reach adulthood, and they can range from over 6 feet long to a tiny 3 inches in length. Let’s look at the kinds of tortoises that don’t grow big:
Russian Tortoises
The Russian tortoise is commonly called the Horsefield tortoise. They’re popular for beginners since they bond quickly and are fun to play with.
Most of all, they’re beloved for their small size. A male Russian tortoise measures 5-6 inches long when fully grown, and a female can grow to 9 inches long.
Russian tortoises require a medium-sized tortoise table (4 x 2 feet). They’re tolerant to different temperatures and survive well in various climates.
Keep the humidity levels balanced between 30%-50%. Excess moisture isn’t good for their skin and shell and could increase the risk of fungal infections and shell rot.
Hermann’s Tortoises
Hermann’s tortoises are a Mediterranean species. They come in two forms, differing in size and color:
- Eastern Hermann’s: Found in Albania, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey.
- Western Hermann’s: Found in Corsica, Italy, and Spain.
The Eastern Hermann’s grows up to 7 inches for males and 9 inches for females. Meanwhile, the Western Hermann’s can reach 5 inches for males and 6 inches for females.
Eastern Hermann’s tortoises appear flatter and broader than their Western counterparts. They come in various colors, such as yellow, light tan, and muddy brown.
On the other hand, Western Hermann’s tortoises are more oval and rounded, and their colors range from yellow to golden and orange.
Aside from their color patterns and small stature, Hermann’s tortoises are prized for their docile and playful personalities.
This species thrives indoors and outdoors as long as the enclosure is spacious and well-secured. Ideally, it should measure about 16 x 10 feet to allow enough space to roam freely.
Emulate Hermann’s tortoise’s natural Mediterranean environment, which involves maintaining a temperature between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The enclosure should also have UV lights and a basking area.
Since Hermann’s tortoises are an active species, include items such as:
- Non-toxic plants
- Large rocks
- Other decorations
Greek Tortoises
Greek tortoises are a tiny species found throughout the Mediterranean region. They are commonly referred to as the spur-thighed tortoise due to the signature spurs on either side of their tail.
You can instantly recognize a Greek tortoise by its domed shell and color, ranging from golden to black.
On average, Greek tortoises reach 5-9 inches for females and 4-6 inches for males. Some females grow up to 11 inches in length, but this is uncommon.
These tortoises are avid explorers. They do best when housed in a spacious outdoor enclosure measuring about 18 square feet. Their basking area should be maintained at 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Greek tortoise is herbivorous. So, it requires a diet of leafy greens, broccoli, and other vegetables.
This species can live for 125 years when fed and properly cared for. Unfortunately, according to PLOS One, the population in North-Western Africa is declining rapidly due to natural fires.
Egyptian Tortoises
What is the smallest tortoise you can keep as a pet? Look no further than the Egyptian tortoise. Known as Kleinmann’s tortoise, it’s the world’s smallest tortoise species. Males can reach a length between 3-4 inches, with females growing to up to 5 inches.
This species is critically endangered and rarely found in the wild. Nevertheless, it’s still popular and widely sought after by enthusiasts due to its diminutive size. As its critically endangered status, you should get this tortoise only from a licensed and recognized breeder in your country.
If you get one from abroad, ensure that all the shipping records and documentation are valid and up to date. Otherwise, you risk having your tortoise confiscated and serving jail time for wildlife trafficking.
Due to its small size, you can place an Egyptian tortoise in an enclosure of 4 cubic feet. Just keep in mind that this species has strict requirements regarding heating.
Maintain a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike many species, Egyptian tortoises thrive indoors, where the humidity levels can be artificially controlled.
You should maintain 20-30% humidity in the tortoise’s enclosure.
Indian Star Tortoises
Indian star tortoises are a tiny species, identifiable by the golden star patterns on their shells. They’re found in India and parts of Sri Lanka. They grow to 5-6 inches for males and 7-8 inches for females.
According to Nature Conservation, the Indian star tortoise is still widely traded in parts of Asia.
This is illegal since the species is designated critically endangered by the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). Exporting this tortoise is prohibited by law.
The only way to get it legally is by purchasing from a trusted and recognized breeder.
Indian star tortoises are a favorite for beginners due to their adaptability to different climates.
This species can thrive in different humidity levels, as it’s characteristic of their native habitat in India. The country experiences monsoons and intermittent dry seasons every year.
Indian star tortoises thrive in outdoor enclosures at 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also be housed indoors, with tanks at least 3 square feet.
Pancake Tortoises
Pancake tortoises are a small species native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Their name is based on their naturally flat shell, contrasting with the dome-like shape of most tortoises.
Fully-grown pancake tortoises measure 6-7 inches, with their tail measuring only 1 inch. They’re also lightweight due to their flat shell, making them more agile.
Pancake tortoises don’t need much space when kept as pets. An enclosure measuring about 4 square feet will comfortably house this species.
Pancake tortoises are natural climbers, owing to the rocky terrain they explore in the wild. Their enclosures should have high walls to prevent them from escaping.
Pancake tortoises have similar heating and lighting needs to other species. Their enclosure needs a basking area, UV light, a temperature gradient of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity of 60%-70%.
What Is The Smallest Pet Tortoise Breed?
The smallest pet tortoise species is the Egyptian tortoise (also known as Kleinmann’s tortoise). When fully grown, males can measure 3-4 inches, and females can measure up to 5 inches.
They’re easy to keep and care for, but tortoise enthusiasts love this species due to its curious personality. As mentioned, they’re designated as critically endangered.
How Much Does A Small Tortoise Cost?
A small tortoise can cost $50-5,000, depending on the following factors:
- Species
- Age of the tortoise
- Endangered status level
- Place of purchase
Older tortoises cost more than hatchings, and exotic species are the most expensive. If your tortoise is on the endangered list, its price will skyrocket (if you can find one legally). Here are some price estimates:
- Exotic species like the Indian star tortoise and Egyptian tortoise may cost $1,000-$6,000.
- Hermann’s tortoises can range from $300-$800.
- Greek tortoises cost around $200.
- Pancake tortoises range from $600-$1,500.
- The least expensive is the common Russian tortoise, at around $100-$200.
When buying a rarer small tortoise species, you may need certain licenses and pay additional fees.
If you want to keep these species, you can still buy tortoises that stay small forever legally from trusted local breeders. However, they’ll cost more than more common species.
