Why does this Russian look like this???

[ChrisJohan]

I need help identifying this species please?



I know for a fact that its a russian tortoise, but the color and the shape of its carapace is it normally like this? I think it's about 3 inches in plastron length.

 

[Yvonne G]

It's probably been raised with lots of food (quick growth) and no UV light.

...or, it could be leucistic or hypo melanistic.

 

[wellington]

Can't help why, but it's pretty cool looking, real pretty. Keep us updated on how it changes, if it does with more uvb incase that is the reason for its coloring.

 

[ChrisJohan]

I always like russian tortoise bulky looking build, but somehow the triangly looking shape of its carapace puts me in doubt whether its a russian or greek. Am i mistaken it for a russian or is this def a russian?

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

I think it looks like a russian... example-

-they've got that unique scute shape.
Maybe it's just special coloring? Very pretty.
I think that if it was that color due to care, it would still have some black, since when they hatch they do have a bit of black coloring on the shell?

 

[tortdad]

Don't the Greek torts have that same scute shape? It could be a golden greek tort. I suck at the species guessing game

 

[tortdad]

Chris would know

@HermanniChris

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Chris would know

@HermanniChris

Hey, good thought!

 

[ChrisJohan]

Don't the Greek torts have that same scute shape? It could be a golden greek tort. I suck at the species guessing game

Me too... But somehow I find it interesting to learn. So I guess we've settled on russian?

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

I don't know. I'm not sold on the color.
Maybe @HermanniChris missed it?

 

[HermanniChris]

Sorry I missed this. It looks Russian but we need to see a plastron shot. Probably hypomelanistic or it could darken with age. These oddities aren't as "odd" as some think, they do pop up quite often and I've personally seen a lot of yellow Russians. We used to have an entirely solid gold adult male. So, maybe this one will hold the color into maturity. Just a few weeks ago we hatched an almost entirely pure white marginated tortoise.

 

[ChrisJohan]

plastron shot comin right up


Here we go

I think its a safe bet to say that its a russian... But I'm not an expert thats why opinions please?

 

[HermanniChris]

Definitely a Russian. Will be interesting to see if it holds the color or darkens.

 

[Heather H]

That's so neat. I love the coloring.

 

[kanalomele]

Definitely a Russian. I completely agree with Chris. I have a nearly completely gold adult female. It's not all that unusual.

 

[leigti]

I think your tortoise is very pretty. It will be nice to see how the colors develop as the tortoise gross.

 

[ChrisJohan]

Thanks for all the help guys
I needed to make sure. I'll definitely post more picts as he grew

 

[stojanovski92113]

I think your tortoise is very pretty. It will be nice to see how the colors develop as the tortoise gross.

By the way HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

[pam]

ChrisJohan your golden Russian is beautiful Happy Birthday @leigti hope you have a great one

 

[leigti]

ChrisJohan your golden Russian is beautiful Happy Birthday @leigti hope you have a great one

Thanks!