The World’s Most Unusual and Unique Pet Turtles
by nobert soloria bermosa on Jun 04, 2009 with 28 Comments
Turtles are among the most popular reptiles in the world. Some species of turtles are kept as pet and some are gathered for human consumption.
Some species are colorful and a few are weird-looking. Here are some of the most unusual and unique turtles in the world.
Spiny Turtle (Heosemys spinosa)

The attractive Spiny Turtle of Southeast Asia is one of the most unusual-looking turtles in the world. It inhabits lowland and hill rainforest, usually in the vicinity of small streams.

This peculiar species of turtle is known in the Philippines, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Four-Eyed Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata)

With its two bright yellow spots on the back of the head of the Four-eyed Turtle of China, Laos and Vietnam is truly a unique turtle. A male of this species has successfully produced hybrids with the Chinese Pond Turtle in captivity.
Indian Roofed Turtle (Kachuga tecta)

With those two sharp objects on its back, the Indian Roofed Turtle definitely look unique from other turtle species. It is found in the major rivers of South Asia. This turtle inhabits the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Indus drainages in Pakistan, northern and peninsular India, and Bangladesh and also in the Mahanadi basin.
This is a quiet-water turtle, occurring in quiet streams, canals, oxbows, ponds, and man-made water tanks. It also occurs in brackish coastal waters. A soft bottom and abundant aquatic vegetation are preferred conditions. It loves basking in the early morning sun.
Texas Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera emoryi)

One of the most fascinating and odd-looking turtle is the Texas Spiny Softshell Turtle. This unusual but pretty turtle is a subspecies of Softshelled Turtle. It is endemic to the US state of Texas. Aside from Texas, they also range in the state of New Mexico.
Barbour’s Map Turtle (Graptemys Barbouri)

The Barbour’s Map Turtle is native to the eastern US particularly in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Barbour’s Map Turtles are outlawed from ownership in both Georgia and Alabama. There is a limit of two turtles per person in Florida.

All map turtles including this species are not allowed to be sold if they are under the length of 4 inches. This unique turtle feeds on mollusks, insects and small fish.
Indian Flap-Shelled (Lissemys punctata)

Isn’t it cute? I like the close-up shot of this unique turtle – the Indian Flap-shelled Turtle, a species found in South Asia.

They are widespread and very common in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, Myanmar and introduced to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Hope you enjoyed this. Thank you!
For related articles about turtles
Liked it
Published in: Pets












chris73 | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
I guess they are happier in the nature.
Joe Dorish | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Cool looking turtles!
goodselfme | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
A most unusual set of turtles, is right! Well done post with great pics. Thank you!
Judy T Lloyd | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Yep they are unusual alright and yes the last turtle is cute.
Deep Blue | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Really exotic turtles for pets.
Christine Ramsay | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Another well researched and beautifully presented piece of work. You have taught me such a lot.
Christine
Nikki | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
My 2 turtle died this past month! This was sad… and somewhat uplifting.
Radhika | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
All the Turtles are really cute,another great articles from You
Unofre Pili | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
They are beautiful creatures. Nice article.
DA Cournean | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Awesome find! Great presentation!
clay hurtubise | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Good piece and cool pics.
Thanks,
Clay
Judy Sheldon | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
I brought home a painted turtle for my son once. It was roaming around on the ground and I surprised him by bringing it home. I found out later that one should be careful when handling turtles to wash their hands after.
Great article and pics. thanks
Eunice Tan | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Interesting and amazing as usual
Juancav | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Amazing unknown turtles.
Jo Oliver | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
soft shell turtle looks very interesting. Correct me if I am wrong, but don’t turtles carry disease? Why would someone keep them as pets~
Liane Schmidt | Jun 5, 2009 | Reply
Whoa, whoa, whoa and……… whoa – some interesting looking turtles – nice work!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
kate smedley | Jun 5, 2009 | Reply
Great article with great photos
Ruby Hawk | Jun 5, 2009 | Reply
Wow, there are some strange turtles in the world,
PR Mace | Jun 5, 2009 | Reply
Now those were some strange looking turtles. Good article.
Joshua Miguel | Jun 6, 2009 | Reply
i never thought that there are such species of turtles
jpg2693 | Jun 6, 2009 | Reply
weird but awesome.
check out my profile tnx.
Betty Carew | Jun 6, 2009 | Reply
Awesome pics nobert, the colors are amazing
Alexa Gates | Jun 6, 2009 | Reply
those are pretty sweet!
MMV Abad | Jun 6, 2009 | Reply
I cant find my turtle. Probably cause he’s an average type. These turtles are unique.
quiet voice | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
…amazing pictures nobert, very interesting, as most of your articles are. Take care.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Beautiful pictures of turtles. They’re amazing…
Moses Ingram | Jun 10, 2009 | Reply
Very well written and well researched as well. I love the pictures.
S A JOHNSON | Jun 22, 2009 | Reply
Wow, fantastic article, such interesting and cool turtles!