Tent tortoise (Psammobates tentorius)
Turtles & tortoises · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Tent tortoise (Psammobates tentorius) (origin: South Africa, Namibia – the Karoo). Adult size around 10–15 cm. Life expectancy 30–50 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Tent tortoise: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 120×60 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 140×60 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report).
Tent tortoise: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–32 °C, basking spot 40 °C, at night 14–19 °C.
Tent tortoise: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).
Tent tortoise: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 30–50 years.
Tent tortoise: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 14–19 °C
- Basking spot
- 40 °C
- Humidity
- 25–40 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 120×60 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 140×60 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)
- Substrate
- A sand and gravel mix, flat stones, dry herbs
Feeding
- Food
- Dry grasses, herbs, succulents – very high in fibre
- Feeding interval
- plant food daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 10–15 cm
- Life expectancy
- 30–50 years
- Origin
- South Africa, Namibia – the Karoo
- Protection status
- CITES II; IUCN "Vulnerable" – only documented captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 10–12 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly or as a pair, depending on space. Two males harass each other and the females; under constant courtship a female visibly loses condition. A pair only works if the male can be removed when harassing the female - a second enclosure belongs in the plan. With more space, one male to several females spreads out the courtship.
Notes
A small dryland species with strongly domed, "tent-shaped" scutes. Very sensitive to damp – waterlogging and food that is too soft quickly lead to pyramiding and kidney damage.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Serrated tent tortoise (Psammobates oculifer) – Expert
- Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) – Expert
- Speckled padloper (Homopus areolatus) – Expert
- Bell's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys belliana) – Intermediate
- Speckled padloper tortoise (Chersobius signatus) – Expert
- Angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata) – Intermediate
- Home's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys homeana) – Expert
- Natal hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys natalensis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Tent tortoise (Psammobates tentorius) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 120×60 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 140×60 cm (15 % more floor space per additional animal, as in the 1997 expert report)), substrate (A sand and gravel mix, flat stones, dry herbs), 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/Tent_tortoise, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Psammobates&species=tentorius
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).