Serrated hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys erosa)
Turtles & tortoises · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Serrated hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys erosa) (origin: West Africa – rainforest). Adult size around 25–32 cm. Life expectancy 40–60 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Serrated hinge-back tortoise: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 225×110 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 260×110 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report).
Serrated hinge-back tortoise: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot 33 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Serrated hinge-back tortoise: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 6 %).
Serrated hinge-back tortoise: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 40–60 years.
Serrated hinge-back tortoise: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 33 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 6 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 225×110 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 260×110 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)
- Substrate
- Damp coco humus with a thick layer of leaf litter, hiding places
Feeding
- Food
- A mixed diet: fungi, windfall fruit, greens, a little animal protein (snails)
- Feeding interval
- 3–4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 25–32 cm
- Life expectancy
- 40–60 years
- Origin
- West Africa – rainforest
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Solitary housing is the simplest option. A pair is possible if the male can be removed once he starts harassing the female during courtship - a second tank should be part of the plan; keepers with more space put one male with several females so courtship is spread out.
Notes
A rainforest tortoise with a movable shell hinge. It needs permanently high humidity and shady hiding places – unlike the usual steppe tortoises. It also takes animal food.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Bell's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys belliana) – Intermediate
- Home's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys homeana) – Expert
- Natal hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys natalensis) – Intermediate
- Speke's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys spekii) – Intermediate
- West African hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys nogueyi) – Intermediate
- Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) – Expert
- Speckled padloper (Homopus areolatus) – Expert
- Serrated tent tortoise (Psammobates oculifer) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Serrated hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys erosa) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 225×110 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 260×110 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)), substrate (Damp coco humus with a thick layer of leaf litter, hiding places), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_hinge-back_tortoise, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Kinixys&species=erosa
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).