The Most Beautiful Turtle, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the turtle you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 5, 2024 06:20

Turtles, with their varied shells and patterns, capture the attention of nature lovers around the world. Ranking them by beauty, however, can be subjective and often varies from person to person. It's useful to have a system where these preferences can be aggregated to reflect a broader consensus. This process not only brings people together but also highlights the many unique species that might otherwise go unnoticed. By voting for your favorite turtles, you contribute to a dynamic list that adjusts in real time with each vote cast. This list serves as a collective expression of admiration and provides recognition to the dazzling diversity of these creatures. Whether you are a casual observer or a dedicated herpetologist, your input is invaluable in shaping this ongoing celebration of turtle beauty.

What Is the Most Beautiful Turtle?

1

47
votes
Brocken Inaglory · CC BY-SA 3.0

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Known for their beautiful green color and graceful swimming style, the Green Sea Turtle is a favorite among turtle enthusiasts. They are also the largest species of hard-shelled sea turtles.
The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a majestic and stunning turtle species. It has a body covered in a beautiful, smooth green carapace and a yellowish-white plastron. This turtle species is globally distributed and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world.

Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas

Family: Cheloniidae

Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length and 500 pounds (227 kilograms) in weight

Lifespan: Estimated to be around 80 years

Diet: Herbivorous (mainly seagrasses and algae)
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23
votes
Vaiasgaea · CC BY-SA 4.0

Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

With their striking red stripe behind their eyes, Red-eared Sliders are one of the most recognizable and popular pet turtles.
The Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a species of turtle known for its vibrant and striking appearance. It is one of the most popular pet turtles worldwide and is also commonly found in the wild. The turtle gets its name from the red marking on each side of its head, behind the eye. Its shell coloration can vary from olive green to brown, with distinctive yellow stripes. Adults typically reach a length of 8-12 inches, and females are usually larger than males.

Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans

Common Name: Red-eared Slider

Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and ponds

Life Span: 20-40 years in captivity

Diet: Omnivorous - eats aquatic plants, insects, snails, and small fish
3

33
votes
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

The Painted Turtle is named for its beautiful and intricate shell pattern. They are also one of the most widespread turtle species in North America.
The Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) is a colorful and eye-catching species of turtle that is commonly found in North America. It is known for its beautiful and intricate shell patterns, featuring a combination of dark brown or black coloration with vibrant red, orange, and yellow markings. The Painted Turtle gets its name from these colorful patterns, resembling a painted artwork.

Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta

Family: Emydidae

Size: 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) in length

Lifespan: Up to 55 years in the wild

Habitat: Ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams
4

15
votes
Thomas Hardwicke · Public domain

Indian Peacock Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia hurum)

This rare and endangered species is known for its distinct peacock-like pattern on its shell.
The Indian Peacock Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia hurum) is a species of freshwater turtle found in parts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It is named after the elaborate pattern on its carapace, which resembles the vibrant plumage of an Indian peacock. This turtle belongs to the family Trionychidae and is known for its unique soft shell and streamlined body, making it an excellent swimmer.

Scientific Name: Nilssonia hurum

Common Name: Indian Peacock Softshell Turtle

Family: Trionychidae

Habitat: Freshwater rivers, lakes, and ponds

Distribution: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal
5

17
votes
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle has a beautiful reddish-brown shell and can grow up to 3 feet in length.
The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) is a large and majestic sea turtle species known for its stunning appearance and ecological significance. It belongs to the family Cheloniidae and is commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in coastal regions. This species has a distinctive reddish-brown carapace, or shell, which is characterized by a heart-shaped appearance and large size.

Average Size: Adults can reach a length of around 3 feet (91 cm) and weigh up to 300 pounds (136 kg)

Lifespan: They can live up to 50-70 years in the wild

Nesting Habits: Loggerhead sea turtles typically nest at night and lay an average of 100-126 eggs in each nest

Migration: They have an incredible ability to navigate thousands of miles between feeding and nesting grounds

Diet: Their diet primarily consists of marine invertebrates, such as crabs, clams, and jellyfish
6

13
votes
Author and original uploader was Baseballchck02 (Melissa Mitchell) at en.wikipedia · CC BY 3.0

African Spurred Tortoise (Geochelone sulcata)

With their beautiful and intricate shell pattern, African Spurred Tortoises are a favorite among tortoise enthusiasts. They can grow up to 200 pounds in weight.
The African Spurred Tortoise, also known as Geochelone sulcata, is one of the largest and most beautiful turtle species in the world. It is native to the Sahel region of Africa and is commonly found in the southern edge of the Sahara desert. The tortoise is well-adapted to its arid habitat and has various distinctive physical features. It has a large, dome-shaped carapace (shell) that can range from light to dark brown in color. The carapace is adorned with beautiful and intricate patterns of growth rings and a series of large, raised scales. The tortoise also has strong limbs and thick, elephant-like skin, which helps it withstand the harsh desert environment. It has a lifespan of up to 70 years in the wild and can grow to impressive sizes, reaching lengths of over 30 inches and weighing up to 200 pounds.

Scientific Name: Geochelone sulcata

Habitat: Sahel region of Africa, southern edge of the Sahara desert

Size: Up to 30 inches in length

Weight: Up to 200 pounds

Lifespan: Up to 70 years in the wild
7

9
votes
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)

Known for their beautiful olive-green and gray coloration, Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles are the smallest and most endangered sea turtle species.
The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is one of the most beautiful turtle species. It is the smallest and the rarest species of sea turtle, characterized by its olive-gray shell and pale-yellow underside. The adult turtles have a triangular-shaped head with a hooked beak. They are known for their synchronized nesting behavior called 'arribada', where hundreds to thousands of females gather on the same beach to lay eggs.

Scientific Name: Lepidochelys kempii

Average Size: 24-28 inches (61-71 cm)

Weight: 77-100 pounds (35-45 kg)

Lifespan: Up to 50 years

Habitat: Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast of North America
8

9
votes
Matt Reinbold https://www.flickr.com/photos/furryscalyman/ · CC BY-SA 2.0

Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)

With their beautiful and vibrant shell pattern, Eastern Box Turtles are a favorite among reptile enthusiasts.
The Eastern Box Turtle is a species of turtle native to eastern and central parts of the United States. It is known for its unique and beautiful shell pattern that consists of intricate colorful markings. The carapace (upper shell) is domed-shaped and ranges in color from brown to olive with yellowish streaks or blotches. The plastron (lower shell) is hinged and allows the turtle to completely close its shell for protection.

Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina carolina

Size: Adults can reach a length of 4.5 to 6 inches (11 to 15 cm)

Weight: Ranges from 0.5 to 2 pounds (0.2 to 0.9 kg)

Lifespan: Can live up to 100 years in the wild

Habitat: Woodlands, meadows, marshes, and grasslands
9

8
votes
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0

Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta)

With their beautiful yellow and green coloration, Yellow-bellied Sliders are a popular pet turtle species.
The Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) is a species of turtle known for its stunning appearance. Its upper shell, or carapace, features dark green to brown coloration with distinct yellow markings. The lower shell, or plastron, is usually yellow with dark markings along the edges. This turtle species is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in various aquatic habitats such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.

Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta scripta

Common Name: Yellow-bellied Slider

Habitat: Aquatic habitats in the southeastern United States

Carapace Color: Dark green to brown

Plastron Color: Yellow with dark markings
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4
votes
Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)

Known for their beautiful and intricate shell pattern, Egyptian Tortoises are one of the smallest tortoise species in the world.
The Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) is a small species of turtle that is native to Egypt and Libya. It is widely known for its stunning appearance and intricate shell patterns. These tortoises are highly sought after by collectors and conservationists alike due to their rarity and unique characteristics.

Size: Adults measure 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) in length

Weight: Typically around 150-200 grams (5-7 ounces)

Coloration: Their shells exhibit a combination of yellow, orange, and black patterns

Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, and flowers

Habitat: Found in arid desert regions with sandy soils and sparse vegetation

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Ranking factors for beautiful turtle

Shell pattern and coloration

A turtle's shell is often the first thing people notice, and a beautiful turtle may have intricate patterns or vibrant colors on its shell. Look for unique markings or designs that make the turtle stand out.
Skin color and pattern

In addition to the shell, the coloration and pattern of the turtle's skin can contribute to its beauty. Look for interesting or unique features in the turtle's skin pattern, such as bright colors or eye-catching designs.
Size and proportion

While size isn't necessarily an indicator of beauty, some people may find smaller or larger turtles more visually appealing. A well-proportioned turtle with a distinct shape can also be considered beautiful.
Health and cleanliness

A healthy and well-cared-for turtle is likely to be more attractive than one that is sickly or neglected. Look for clear, bright eyes, a clean and well-maintained shell, and an overall appearance of vitality.
Species

Different turtle species have different features and characteristics that can contribute to their overall attractiveness. Research various species to find those that are known for their beauty or unique features.
Behavior and personality

Though not necessarily a physical factor, a turtle's behavior and personality can contribute to its overall appeal. A friendly, curious turtle may be more attractive to some people than a shy or aggressive one.
Rarity

Some turtle species are rarer than others, and this can make them highly sought after and considered more beautiful. Unique or endangered turtles may be prized for their rarity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful turtle. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Turtle is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1931 views
179 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Green Sea Turtle
Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
African Spurred Tortoise
Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Turtle once every 24 hours. The rank of each Turtle is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful turtle

Turtles are one of the oldest species on Earth, dating back to over 200 million years. These slow-moving creatures are known for their hard, protective shells that come in a range of colors and patterns. Turtles are found in various parts of the world, from the warm waters of the Caribbean to the icy shores of Alaska. Many people keep turtles as pets due to their peaceful temperament and unique features. When it comes to beauty, the world of turtles has many contenders. From the vibrant red-eared slider to the majestic green sea turtle, each species has its charm. However, there can only be one winner in the search for the most beautiful turtle.