Hello! Help needed
- Thread starter tortoisegirl90
- Start date
Most likely a greek tortoise. Can we get a plastron pic?
@TeamZissou is great at ID the Mediterranean sub-species.
Here is some general care info to get you started, and look for the temperate species care sheet near the bottom:
tortoiseforum.org
@TeamZissou is great at ID the Mediterranean sub-species.
Here is some general care info to get you started, and look for the temperate species care sheet near the bottom:
Info For New People. Please Read This First.
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- Location (City and/or State)
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Welcome to the forum and hello from South Florida USA
tortoisegirl90
New Member
tortoisegirl90
New Member
We're not sure exactly how old he is but he's probably about 70! He's been in the family since the 1960s and has known me all my life.
TeamZissou
Well-Known Member
This appears to be a Moroccan Greek, Testudo graeca marokkensis based on shell shape, head and other features. The shell is nearly black which is unusual, usually there is at least some yellow. Is it possibly painted or just very weathered?
tortoisegirl90
New Member
He's never been painted as far as we're aware, but he is about 70 years old so it could just be signs of age?
Could it be Asian black?
No Tammy. It's not big enough, especially being 70!
TeamZissou
Well-Known Member
I doubt it. The link below has photos of similarly aged Moroccan Greeks also in the UK. The coloration on the carapace usually has more of a mix of the tan/yellow and black/brown like what is seen on the plastron. The gray spots near the middle of the carapace are likely from where he's squeezed under something and rubbed/scratched some of the material away.
At any rate, it it's probably nothing to worry about, just looks a little unusual from most Moroccans. I suppose it's possible to have an all-black carapace. They usually have more of a pattern.
Jacky And Daisy
Good evening everyone! Look what I can do Jacky Oh, Jacky - you are amazing !!! Angie xx
tortoiseforum.org
Moroccan Tortoise | hermannihavenhome
www.hermannihaven.com
tortoisegirl90
New Member
He has always lived outside (well, since the early 1960s, at least) and does get himself in tight spots where his shell gets scratched! This is just his curiosity.
Sorry if this is a silly question, but could he be a cross-breed? Do different breeds of tortoises mate with each other?
Sorry if this is a silly question, but could he be a cross-breed? Do different breeds of tortoises mate with each other?
tortoisegirl90
New Member
For reference, this is what he looked like in the 1960s
TeamZissou
Well-Known Member
Sweet throwback pic! I love it.
Regarding hybrids, it's possible but would be difficult to tell. This looks like a pure Moroccan to me aside from the coloration. It sure doesn't seem to be bothering him.
Regarding hybrids, it's possible but would be difficult to tell. This looks like a pure Moroccan to me aside from the coloration. It sure doesn't seem to be bothering him.
PollyAda
Active Member
Given his age, he has likely had some kind of oil applied to his carapace which has blackened over time. This video shows you how to go about removing it safely if you wanted to have a go
Lovely to read about your tortoise. He look in good nic and nice that he had passed through the family.
The utube video shows Amazing transformation!
TeamZissou
Well-Known Member
Great video, this has to be it. I hope the OP tries this!
tortoisegirl90
New Member
We are going to try it tomorrow 
I'll let you all know how we get on...
I'll let you all know how we get on...
