What is the scientific name of the Radiated Tortoise?

The scientific name of the Radiated Tortoise is Astrochelys radiata.

Where are Radiated Tortoises native to?

Radiated Tortoises are native to Southern Madagascar.

How big do Radiated Tortoises get?

Adult Radiated Tortoises typically reach about 16-18 inches.

How long do Radiated Tortoises live?

Radiated Tortoises live about 50-100 years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Radiated Tortoise need?

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

What humidity does a Radiated Tortoise need?

Radiated Tortoises need 50-70% humidity.

Do Radiated Tortoises need UVB lighting?

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

What size enclosure does a Radiated Tortoise need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Radiated Tortoise: Baby: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Young: 48”x24”x24” (minimum); Sub-Adult/Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum). Recommended with adult enclosure to always go larger these are minimum requirements. Larger enclosures encourage animals to exhibit natural behaviors.

What do Radiated Tortoises eat?

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

Are Radiated Tortoises good for beginners?

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

Are Radiated Tortoises nocturnal or diurnal?

Radiated Tortoises are diurnal (active during the day).

What is Radiated Tortoise behavior like?

Common Radiated Tortoise behavior traits: Can be standoffish when new; Docile generally; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Can be very active; Solitary generally but will eat & bask with others; Adept burrowers.

Do Radiated Tortoises lay eggs?

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

How many eggs does a Radiated Tortoise lay?

A Radiated Tortoise clutch is typically about 3–12 eggs.

How long do Radiated Tortoise eggs take to hatch?

Radiated Tortoise eggs typically incubate for about 120-180 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for adult Radiated Tortoises?

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

What is the best enclosure for a Radiated Tortoise?

Recommended enclosures for Radiated Tortoises: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums.

What lighting products are best for a Radiated Tortoise?

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

What heating products does a Radiated Tortoise need?

Recommended heating products for Radiated 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.

Radiated Tortoise

Common Name(s)	Radiated Tortoise
Scientific Name	Astrochelys radiata
Behavior	Diurnal (active during day) Can be standoffish when new Docile generally Warm up easily with consistent handling Can be very active Solitary generally but will eat & bask with others Adept burrowers
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~35-45 days Clutch size: ~3–12 eggs Incubation: ~120-180 days
Lifespan	~50-100 years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 90-95°F basking spot
Humidity	50-70%
Lighting	UVA/UVB required
Size	~16-18 inches
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +) Young: 48”x24”x24” (minimum) Sub-Adult/Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum) recommended with adult enclosure to always go larger these are minimum requirements larger enclosures encourage animals to exhibit natural behaviors
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	Herbivorous Greens Grasses Fungi Fruits & Flowers Succulents

Best Substrates for Juvenile Radiated Tortoises

BabiChip Premium Small Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Radiated Tortoises

36" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Black

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Radiated Tortoises

Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 36"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Radiated Tortoises

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) is one of the most visually striking tortoise species, renowned for its beautifully patterned shell. Native to the southern parts of Madagascar, this species is characterized by the radiating yellow lines on its dark, dome-shaped carapace, which give it its name. These intricate patterns are not just for show—they help the tortoise camouflage in its natural environment, blending with the sun-dappled ground of the island's dry forests. The species can live for over 100 years, making it one of the longest-lived tortoises. Despite their longevity, Radiated Tortoises face significant threats from habitat destruction and poaching, as they are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade and for food.

Radiated Tortoises have a fascinating social structure, often interacting with one another more than most other tortoise species. During the breeding season, males can be seen competing for the attention of females, often engaging in mild head-butting and pushing matches. These tortoises are herbivorous, with a diet consisting mainly of grasses, succulent plants, and fruit, though they are particularly fond of the prickly pear cactus, which provides them with much-needed hydration in their arid habitats. Due to their highly specific environmental needs and protected status, keeping Radiated Tortoises in captivity requires advanced knowledge and is heavily regulated. There is an urgent need for conservation efforts to preserve this iconic species.

Native Range

Southern Madagascar

Why ReptiChip?

ReptiChip is made by radiated tortoise lovers, for radiated 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 radiated tortoise bedding for your pet.

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

Common Radiated Tortoise ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Radiated Tortoise is Astrochelys radiata.
: Radiated Tortoises are native to Southern Madagascar.
: Adult Radiated Tortoises typically reach about 16-18 inches.
: Radiated Tortoises live about 50-100 years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Radiated Tortoise: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.
: Radiated Tortoises need 50-70% humidity.
: Yes. Recommended lighting for Radiated Tortoises: UVA/UVB required.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Radiated Tortoise: Baby: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Young: 48”x24”x24” (minimum); Sub-Adult/Adult: 72”x24”x24” (minimum). Recommended with adult enclosure to always go larger these are minimum requirements. Larger enclosures encourage animals to exhibit natural behaviors.
: Radiated Tortoises eat: Herbivorous; Greens; Grasses; Fungi; Fruits & Flowers; Succulents.
: Radiated Tortoises are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Advanced for keeper experience. Diet, Humidity, and Supplementation must be perfect.
: Radiated Tortoises are diurnal (active during the day).
: Common Radiated Tortoise behavior traits: Can be standoffish when new; Docile generally; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Can be very active; Solitary generally but will eat & bask with others; Adept burrowers.
: Yes. Radiated Tortoises are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Radiated Tortoise clutch is typically about 3–12 eggs.
: Radiated Tortoise eggs typically incubate for about 120-180 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Radiated Tortoises: BabiChip Premium Small Sized Coconut Chips; Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Radiated Tortoises: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Radiated Tortoises: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums.
: Recommended lighting products for Radiated Tortoises: Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Radiated 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.