Information On Turtles
What is the diffrence between pet turtles and sea turtles? Are you fascinated by the thought of owning a pet turtle? Or have you sometimes wondered what the difference is between pet turtles and sea turtles—apart from the obvious difference, size? Not many people know about this vital information on turtles, so read on.
Sea turtles are found in all the oceans of the world, except for the Arctic, and are specially designed for life in the open waters. They belong to the superfamily Chelonioidea and there are seven varieties of them. These are the Flatback, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green, Kemp’s Ridley, and Olive Ridley.
Sea turtles have a life expectancy of up to a hundred years, significantly longer than the lifespan of almost all other species of turtle. Unfortunately, however, many of them have been hunted almost to the point of extinction, and most of the seven sub-groups are now on the “endangered species” list. This special protected status has given them some breathing space, although the poaching continues.
The smaller turtles, on the other hand, are very common and given their popularity with pet-owners, are in no danger of extinction. These include various kinds of semi-aquatic or even freshwater turtles; aquatic turtles (commonly known as water turtles) thrive in a large tank, however, so most commonly, turtles kept as pets are those that live in mixed dry and wet environments.
Some of the most common breeds of pet turtles are the Eastern box turtle, the painted turtle, the Russian tortoise, the yellow-bellied slider, and the red-eared slider. Each breed is unique and requires different kinds of habitats and care, and each requires their own specific diet and environments. When deciding what kind of turtle would be best for your household, it pays to research the various kinds, determine the kind of care and setup that you are able to provide then choose the breed that matches those criteria closest.
Most pet turtles eat fresh fruit and vegetables—or fresh vegetables alone. Whichever breed you settle on, know that your pet turtle will have a long life expectancy and will require care from you for many years. (No, they won’t live 100 years like sea turtles, but they will certainly outlive your hamster.) Pet turtles need a proper habitat, which includes a steady supply of fresh water. And you can’t ignore them for long periods of time simply because they don’t interact with you as much as a dog or a cat. Turtles can get sick too, and you need to be attentive to their physical appearance and changes in their daily behavior to detect illness.
