No, Tortoises can’t swim because unlike turtles they lack the flipper-like limbs that would enable them to propel through water, their bodies are not streamlined like those of turtles and they can hold their breath for 1 – 2 minutes underwater with the stored air in the lungs after which they start to drown.
If you throw a tortoise into the water it will drown. Even though some tortoises have been known to float in water for short periods of time, most cannot float.
If a tortoise finds itself in water it will usually attempt to climb out onto land as soon as possible.
Tortoises Are Adapted To Survive On Land
Tortoises are terrestrial animals that spend almost all of their time on land. They are very well adapted to life on land and are not particularly well suited to life in water.
Tortoises have short, sturdy legs that are well suited for walking on land. Their bodies are very heavy and their legs are not build to swim.
Tortoises also have sharp claws that help them to grip the ground and climb. These claws would be of little use in water.
Tortoises breath air and they cannot stay underwater for very long. They have small lungs.
Most tortoises shells are harder than turtles shells. This makes them less buoyant and more likely to sink in water.
The hard tortoise shell help protect it from land predators.
Unlike turtles, tortoises can withdraw into their shells for protection. This is not possible for turtles as their shells are attached to their bodies.
Turtles Are Well Adapted To Life In Water
Turtles are well suited to life in water. They have flipper-like limbs that enable them to propel themselves through the water. Their bodies are streamlined which helps them to swim faster.
Turtles have a cruising speed of around 0.9 to 5.8 mph (1.4 to 9.3 km/h), but can reach a top speed of 22 mph (35 km/hr.)
Turtles can hold their breath for much longer than tortoises. They have large lungs and they can remain underwater for as long as 2 hours without breathing.
Turtles shells are not as hard as tortoises shells. This makes them more buoyant and less likely to sink in water.
Unlike tortoises, turtles cannot withdraw into their shells for protection. This is because their shells are attached to their bodies.
Feed Habits
Tortoises in the wild feed on a wide variety of plants and insects as they are omnivorous. Common food items include grass, leaves, flowers, earthworms, grubs, snails, beetles and caterpillars, fruit, berries and mushrooms. Some tortoises will also consume carrion.
Most turtle species are also omnivorous and will feed on a wide range of animal and plant matter. Common food items in the wild include fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other turtles.
What Should You Feed A Pet Tortoise
Although these species are classed as omnivores, we suggest feeding your tortoise greens, flowers, vegetables and fruits as the staple diet. This should be supplemented with occasional feedings of insects, snails, earthworms, and other animal protein sources no more than once or twice a week.
A diet that is too high in animal protein can lead to health problems such as shell deformities, kidney disease, and respiratory infections.
Tortoises should have access to water at all times. They will drink from a bowl or soak in shallow water to rehydrate themselves.
What Should You Feed A Pet Turtle
Most turtles are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. Box turtles can eat a wide variety of foods, such as slugs, worms, crickets, apples, tomatoes, cantaloupe and leafy green vegetables. Dandelion leaves are also a good choice for a pet turtle’s diet because they are high in vitamin A and calcium.
Turtles should have access to water at all times. They will drink from a bowl or soak in shallow water to rehydrate themselves.
They also love swimming and will often bask in the sun on a warm day.
