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Radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)

Turtles & tortoises · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) (origin: Southern and south-western Madagascar (dry spiny forest)). Adult size around 30–40 cm, up to ~16 kg. Life expectancy 40–100 years (a lifetime commitment). The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Radiated tortoise: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 320×160 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 370×160 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report).

Radiated tortoise: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 40–45 °C (under a combined UV and heat lamp), at night 18–22 °C.

Radiated tortoise: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB essential (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5).

Radiated tortoise: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 40–100 years (a lifetime commitment).

Radiated tortoise: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature
25–30 °C
Night temperature
18–22 °C
Basking spot
40–45 °C (under a combined UV and heat lamp)
Humidity
40–60 % (thorn scrub; juveniles somewhat more humid)
UVB
UVB essential (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5)

Enclosure

Minimum size
from 320×160 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 370×160 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)
Substrate
Sandy loam they can dig in; hay and herb zones, a hide

Feeding

Food
Purely herbivorous: grasses, herbs, wild plants; high in fibre and calcium, little or no fruit
Feeding interval
adults plant food daily to every other day (roughage ad libitum)

Key facts

Adult size
30–40 cm, up to ~16 kg
Life expectancy
40–100 years (a lifetime commitment)
Origin
Southern and south-western Madagascar (dry spiny forest)
Protection status
CITES Appendix I, EU Regulation Annex A – strictly protected: the yellow EU certificate plus registration with the authority; trade in wild animals is prohibited
Brumation
None (tropical, active all year)
Cohabitation
Keep them singly, or one male plus several females in a huge enclosure; the males ram and dominate → never two males

Notes

CITES I: keep or pass it on only with unbroken papers. A very high life expectancy plus the final size = a long-term commitment. Calcium and UVB for shell health; no excess of fruit or protein (pyramiding).

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 320×160 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 370×160 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)), substrate (Sandy loam they can dig in; hay and herb zones, a hide), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strahlenschildkr%C3%B6te, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Astrochelys&species=radiata

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).