MYTHS & FACTS

Fact: The shell is made of bone and is fused with their spine and rib cage; it grows with them. Turtles are dependent on their shell as it protects their internal organs. Removing a turtle from its shell would kill it.

Fact: While all tortoises are turtles, not all turtles are tortoises. The term “turtle” generally refers to all members of the order Testudines, also called chelonians. These animals are often grouped by where they live, which is why the terminology can be confusing.

Tortoises are strictly land-dwelling and have sturdy, stumpy feet for walking on dry ground. What most people think of as turtles are usually aquatic or semiaquatic, living in freshwater, marine, or moist environments, and have webbed feet or flippers for swimming.

The terms are also used differently around the world! In Australia, terrapin refers to freshwater turtles, while turtle is used almost exclusively for sea turtles. In the USA, terrapins refer to a specific genus of turtles that spend time in brackish (slightly salty) environments like estuaries and coastal marshes.

From a biological perspective, Chelonians are not classified by whether they live on land or in water. Instead, scientists classify them by how they retract their necks. Cryptodires pull their heads straight back into their shells and are sometimes referred to as hidden-neck turtles. In contrast, pleurodires, or side-necked turtles, fold their head and neck sideways into the shell.

Fact: Most turtles require complex care: UVB lighting, filtration, specific diets, space, and long-term commitment (some live 50+ years).

Fact: Most pet turtles are not native to the areas where they are kept. When released, they become invasive species that can spread disease, disrupt native ecosystems, and outcompete—or even doom—native turtle populations.

Fact: Many turtles are surprisingly fast when motivated, especially in water. Several species are specialized in catching living fish by lunging their heads to grab their prey, faster than the human eye can see. Don’t underestimate a determined turtle!

Fact: Some species brumate (a reptile version of hibernation), but not all. Tropical turtles often remain active year-round. Keeping a species incorrectly during winter can cause death. Some also estivate, where they enter a state of dormancy to survive hot and dry conditions. Learn more about brumation (hibernation) care here.

Fact: A damaged shell is a medical emergency. It’s like a broken bone combined with a skin wound.

Fact: Turtles feel pain, stress, and emotions like fear. Mishandling or injuring them causes suffering. They also have a very sensitive shell; they can feel a gentle touch on their shell and temperature changes.

Fact: Not all turtles eat only plants. Many species are omnivores or even carnivores—snapping turtles, for example, eat fish, frogs, and even small mammals. Hatchlings of some mostly herbivorous species also begin life with a more carnivorous diet before shifting toward plants as they mature. Most tortoises are true herbivores, feeding primarily on grass, leaves, and other vegetation, though a few rare tortoise species have been observed eating animal matter on occasion. To learn more about tortoise diet and care visit our information page.

Fact: Cultural beliefs vary, but using turtles in superstition or traditional medicine has led to exploitation and trafficking of endangered species.

Fact: Turtles are often on purposeful missions: males roam in search of female mates, while females travel long distances to find safe nesting sites. Moving them in the wrong direction or taking them home interrupts their natural cycle. Due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, turtles are often forced to cross dangerous roads to get to necessary resources like food or water or to get to a safe place to lay their eggs.

Fact: Most can hold their breath for a long time but still need to surface for air, otherwise they drown. Some species can extract small amounts of oxygen through specialized cloacal respiration—but it’s not “breathing” like a fish. Some species, such as the Smooth Softshell Turtle, can actually absorb oxygen through its skin by doing “pushups” underwater during icy conditions.

Fact: When flipped over, many tortoises struggle to right themselves, especially on flat or sloped surfaces. Being upside down too long can be fatal for a tortoise due to breathing issues or overheating.

Fact: Wild turtles can carry parasites, are protected by law, and removing them from their natural habitat can hurt the ecosystem and their species’ survival. If you find an injured turtle or tortoise, contact a local animal rehabilitator.

Fact: While turtles and tortoises are long-lived compared to most animals, they don’t live for centuries. Most pet turtles, like red-eared sliders, live around 20–40 years with proper care. Many tortoise species can live 50–100 years, and some giants (like Galápagos or Aldabra tortoises) may reach 150 years in rare cases. But the idea of turtles living several hundred years is a myth, often exaggerated in folklore or mis recorded historical accounts.