The Differences between Pet Turtles and Sea Turtles
Have you always been interested in knowing more about having a pet turtle, or wondered what the difference
between an average pet turtle and a sea turtle is?
Sea turtles are found in the ocean and there are actually seven different kinds of them. These are:
Flatback
Green
Hawksbill
Kemp’s Ridley
Leatherback
Loggerhead
Olive Ridley
Sea turtles are known to have a life expectancy of up to a hundred years, which is longer than that of most
other species of turtle. Because sea turtles have been hunted by humans all over the globe, many of them are now an
‘endangered species’; a special breed of animal protected by law to live freely in the oceans.
Pet turtles can include certain varieties of semi-aquatic or even freshwater turtles but generally the most
common pets are those that live in a mixed environment. Some of the most common breeds of pet turtles include the
red-eared slider, the box turtle and the Russian tortoise. Each of these breeds requires different habitats and
care, and each requires their own specific diet and environmental needs. When deciding what kind of pet turtle
would be the ideal choice for you, you should research the different kinds and figure out which one best matches
the kind of care and the type of conditions that you are willing to provide for it.
Most pet turtle diet consists of fresh fruit and vegetables or just fresh vegetables. Whichever type of pet turtle you choose, you should be aware that they have a long
life expectancy and will require a lot of care from you. Although pet turtles do not need to be trained like other
pets that you may have, they do require the right surroundings, plenty of fresh water and a lot of attention to
them – to make sure that you detect any changes in their behavior or appearance which can help to catch certain
diseases and illnesses early on.
Pet Turtle Care Tip #1
Turtles are members of the Reptile family and they are some of the oldest living creatures
on the planet. They have been around for more than two hundred million years. This makes them as
old as the dinosaurs. There are hundreds of different kinds of turtles all over the planet.
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Pet Turtle Care Tip #2
Sea turtles are the most popular of all of the turtles. These are also some of the largest
creatures—some sea turtles can grow to more than six feet in length and weigh hundreds of pounds.
Scientists think that sea turtles are actually land creatures that went back into the water and
never came out. Over time their limbs evolved to make them stronger swimmers and to keep them in
the water: their front appendages are actually flippers.
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Pet Turtle Care Tip #3
All turtles, even sea turtles, are air breathing creatures. While some turtles can stay
under the water for hours at a time, they all must surface at least once a day to stay alive. There
is one turtle, the giant turtle that only has to surface once a day to take in air. There are some
studies being done to see if some species of turtle might be able to draw oxygen from their cells
much like some fish use their gills to breathe.
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