Turtles are fascinating, quiet and relatively undemanding in nature. There are approximately 356 species of turtles distributed across every continent except Antarctica, from South Asia to Canada. Although most turtles are small and medium in size, but some of them are real giants that can weight up to a ton! Here are the list of Turtles You Won’t Believe Actually Exist.
1. Glowing Blofluorescent Turtle
This rare animal is glowing neon green and red. No, it's not radioactive. The critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle is the first reptile scientists have seen exhibiting bio fluorescence—the ability to reflect the blue light hitting a surface and re-emit it as a different color. In fact, the most common colors are green, red, and orange. It looked like a big spaceship gliding into view, an alien craft with a patchwork of neon green and red all over its head and body.
2. Red Bellied Short Neck Turtle
Also called a pink-bellied side-necked turtle, or Jardine River turtle is a species of turtle in the family Chelidae. They are popular as pets. You won’t believe this, a 75-gallon or larger aquarium is used to house this species! In captivity, they feed on fish, commercial turtle pellets, and plant matter. Due to Australia's ban on exporting wild-caught animals, all wild-caught individuals are from New Guinea. In the United States, Florida had bred these turtles to supply the market. Hong Kong and Taiwan had also red-bellied short-necked turtles.
3. Leatherback Sea Turtle
The leatherback sea turtle, sometimes called the lute turtle, is the largest of all living turtles and the heaviest non-crocodilian reptile, reaching lengths of up to 2 meters and weights of 600 kg. They are unlikely to bite you, but turtles can do it if they feel in danger. And the bites of these dangerous animals are painful. For this reason, you should not try to touch them or get too close. They can swim 35 km/h.
4. Pig Nosed Turtles
These weird animals are not completely aquatic. Little is known about their general behavior, as there have been few studies in the wild. Their known extreme aggression in captivity suggests the species is markedly more territorial than most other turtles and tortoises. Also known as the pitted-shelled turtle or Fly River turtle, is a species of turtle native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. The feet are flippers, resembling those of marine turtles. The nose looks like that of a pig, having the nostrils at the end of a fleshy snout, hence the common name.
5. Leopard Tortoise
Talking about the leopard tortoise that is the fourth-largest species of tortoise in the world, with typical adults reaching 40 cm and weighing 13 kg. The carapace is high and domed with steep, almost vertical sides. The head and limbs are uniformly colored yellow, tan, or brown. Normally active during the day, they are less active during hot weather or during the dry season. They are not dangerous creatures, some people find this strange animal really cute.
6. Caspian Pond Turtle
Caspian Pond Turtles feature an oval and smooth carapace that can be black, tan, or olive. The body is also marked with cream or yellow colored lines. To house a Caspian Pond Turtle, you will need a 75-gallon tank, as a minimum, for an adult. These turtles enjoy basking, but they will quickly dive into the water if they are frightened. They are personable, and they will eventually recognize you as their caretaker. Caspian Pond Turtles are highly adaptable and make their home in brackish and freshwater bodies of water.
7. Spiny Turtle
The origin of its common and specific name is immediately apparent from the sharp, pointed, spiky-edged carapace, and spiny keel, of this unique turtle, also known as the 'cog-wheel turtle'. Interesting fact mating behavior appears to be triggered by rain; in captivity, spraying males with water results in them chasing females and attempting to mount. Nothing is known of nesting behavior in the wild. One, two, or rarely three eggs are laid per clutch; in captivity, laying usually occurs in the night or early morning. It inhabits lowland and hill rainforest, usually in the vicinity of small streams, mainly in hill areas up to 900 m above sea level.
8. The Bog Turtle
The bog turtle is the smallest species of turtle in North America. The bog turtle has a low reproduction rate; females lay one clutch per year, with an average of three eggs each. The young tend to grow rapidly, reaching maturity between the ages of 4 and 10 years. Bog turtles live for an average of 20 to 30 years in the wild. The bog turtle is omnivorous, feeding mainly on small invertebrates. The bog turtle is the state reptile of New Jersey. You can’t believe this oddest animal has a few unbelievable viral videos.
Which one did you find the most amazing? Have you seen any turtle as a pet? Let us know in the comment below.