What is the scientific name of the Aldabra Tortoise?

The scientific name of the Aldabra Tortoise is Aldabrachelys gigantea.

What are other common names for the Aldabra Tortoise?

The Aldabra Tortoise is also known as Aldabra Tortoise Giant Tortoise.

Where are Aldabra Tortoises native to?

Aldabra Tortoises are native to Aldabra Atoll (a small group of islands in the Seychelles).

How big do Aldabra Tortoises get?

Adult Aldabra Tortoises typically reach about 3-4 ft.

How long do Aldabra Tortoises live?

Aldabra Tortoises live about 100-150+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does an Aldabra Tortoise need?

Recommended temperatures for an Aldabra Tortoise: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.

What humidity does an Aldabra Tortoise need?

Aldabra Tortoises need 40-60% humidity.

Do Aldabra Tortoises need UVB lighting?

Yes. Recommended lighting for Aldabra Tortoises: UVA/UVB required.

What size enclosure does an Aldabra Tortoise need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for an Aldabra Tortoise: Baby: 36”x18”x18” (minimum); Young: 48”x24”x24” (minimum); Sub Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum); Adult: 8’x4’x4’ (minimum).

What do Aldabra Tortoises eat?

Aldabra Tortoises eat: Primarily Herbivorous; Greens; Grasses; Fungi; Fruits & Flowers; Succulents.

Are Aldabra Tortoises good for beginners?

Aldabra Tortoises are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. Diet, Humidity, and Supplementation must be perfect.

Are Aldabra Tortoises nocturnal or diurnal?

Aldabra Tortoises are diurnal (active during the day).

What is Aldabra Tortoise behavior like?

Common Aldabra Tortoise behavior traits: Very curious; Docile generally; Warm up easily with consistent interactions; Can be very active.

Do Aldabra Tortoises lay eggs?

Yes. Aldabra Tortoises are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does an Aldabra Tortoise lay?

An Aldabra Tortoise clutch is typically about 4-25 eggs.

How long do Aldabra Tortoise eggs take to hatch?

Aldabra Tortoise eggs typically incubate for about 115-245 days (takes longer in cooler temperatures) before hatching.

What is the best substrate for adult Aldabra Tortoises?

Recommended substrates for adult Aldabra Tortoises: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.

What is the best enclosure for an Aldabra Tortoise?

Recommended enclosures for Aldabra Tortoises: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for an Aldabra Tortoise?

Recommended lighting products for Aldabra Tortoises: Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting.

What heating products does an Aldabra Tortoise need?

Recommended heating products for Aldabra Tortoises by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.

Aldabra Tortoise

Common Name(s)	Aldabra Tortoise Giant Tortoise
Scientific Name	Aldabrachelys gigantea
Behavior	Diurnal (active during day) Very curious Docile generally Warm up easily with consistent interactions Can be very active
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~35-45 days Clutch size: ~4-25 eggs Incubation: ~115-245 days (takes longer in cooler temperatures)
Lifespan	~100-150+ years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 90-95°F basking spot
Humidity	40-60%
Lighting	UVA/UVB required
Size	~3-4 ft
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby: 36”x18”x18” (minimum) Young: 48”x24”x24” (minimum) Sub Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum) Adult: 8’x4’x4’ (minimum)
Experience Level	Advanced Take note of lifespan Diet, Humidity, and Supplementation must be perfect *Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Primarily Herbivorous Greens Grasses Fungi Fruits & Flowers Succulents

Best Substrates for Juvenile Aldabra Tortoises

ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Aldabra Tortoises

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 120 Gallon 48x24x24 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Aldabra Tortoises

Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Aldabra Tortoises

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater: 75W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

The Aldabra Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, is one of the largest tortoise species in the world. Adult males can weigh up to 550 pounds (250 kg) and reach lengths of 4 feet (1.2 meters), making them true giants of the tortoise world. These tortoises are known for their long lifespan, often living over 100 years, with some individuals possibly exceeding 150 years. Their slow metabolism and hardy nature contribute to this remarkable longevity. In their natural habitat, Aldabra Tortoises play an essential ecological role by grazing on grasses and small shrubs, helping to shape the island's vegetation.

Aldabra Tortoises are also famous for their adaptability to extreme environmental conditions. During periods of drought, they are capable of surviving with very little water, extracting moisture from the vegetation they consume. Additionally, they have an interesting behavior of "rearing up" on their hind legs to reach vegetation that is normally out of their reach, allowing them to graze on low-hanging branches. Socially, they are often seen in groups, particularly around water sources or areas with abundant food. Their gentle nature and slow, deliberate movements make them fascinating creatures to observe, and they are often highlighted as symbols of conservation efforts to protect endangered species.

Native Range

Aldabra Atoll (a small group of islands in the Seychelles)

Why ReptiChip?

ReptiChip is made by aldabra tortoise lovers, for aldabra tortoise lovers. It’s what the pros use, and it’s what you can use, too.

Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect aldabra tortoise bedding for your pet.

Ready to switch to the ultimate aldabra tortoise bedding? Check out ReptiChip today.

Common Aldabra Tortoise ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Aldabra Tortoise is Aldabrachelys gigantea.
: The Aldabra Tortoise is also known as Aldabra Tortoise Giant Tortoise.
: Aldabra Tortoises are native to Aldabra Atoll (a small group of islands in the Seychelles).
: Adult Aldabra Tortoises typically reach about 3-4 ft.
: Aldabra Tortoises live about 100-150+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for an Aldabra Tortoise: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.
: Aldabra Tortoises need 40-60% humidity.
: Yes. Recommended lighting for Aldabra Tortoises: UVA/UVB required.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for an Aldabra Tortoise: Baby: 36”x18”x18” (minimum); Young: 48”x24”x24” (minimum); Sub Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum); Adult: 8’x4’x4’ (minimum).
: Aldabra Tortoises eat: Primarily Herbivorous; Greens; Grasses; Fungi; Fruits & Flowers; Succulents.
: Aldabra Tortoises are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. Diet, Humidity, and Supplementation must be perfect.
: Aldabra Tortoises are diurnal (active during the day).
: Common Aldabra Tortoise behavior traits: Very curious; Docile generally; Warm up easily with consistent interactions; Can be very active.
: Yes. Aldabra Tortoises are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: An Aldabra Tortoise clutch is typically about 4-25 eggs.
: Aldabra Tortoise eggs typically incubate for about 115-245 days (takes longer in cooler temperatures) before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Aldabra Tortoises: ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Aldabra Tortoises: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Aldabra Tortoises: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Aldabra Tortoises: Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Aldabra Tortoises by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.