Reptile · Tortoise
Radiated tortoise care guide
Astrochelys radiata
The radiated tortoise is a expert-level tortoise from Southern Madagascar. Adults reach 30–40 cm shell and live 80–100+ years in captivity. Critically endangered and CITES Appendix I; buy only with full captive-breeding paperwork.
- Enclosure 240 × 120 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 32–35°C, ambient 24–29°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a radiated tortoise cost in Canada?
Radiated tortoise quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 30–40 cm shell
- Lifespan
- 80–100+ years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southern Madagascar
- Minimum enclosure
- 240 × 120 × 60 cm (94 × 47 × 24 in, ≈ 457 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 32–35°C, ambient 24–29°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – grasses, weeds, cactus pads, leafy greens, flowers
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Radiated tortoise enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 240 × 120 × 60 cm (94 × 47 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend15 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, ambient 24–29°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.
What does a radiated tortoise eat?
Herbivore – grasses, weeds, cactus pads, leafy greens, flowers. Offer weeds and greens daily with calcium several times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and personable once settled.
Health watch: Respiratory infections and shell problems in cold or damp conditions.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a radiated tortoise bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (240 × 120 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Radiated tortoise FAQ
Is the radiated tortoise good for beginners?
No – the radiated tortoise is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Calm and personable once settled.
What size enclosure does a radiated tortoise need?
At least 240 × 120 × 60 cm (about 94 × 47 × 24 inches, roughly 457 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a radiated tortoise cost in Canada?
Typically $3000–7000 CAD to buy, about $2790–4740 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $500–900 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a radiated tortoise need?
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, ambient 24–29°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a radiated tortoise eat?
Herbivore – grasses, weeds, cactus pads, leafy greens, flowers. Offer weeds and greens daily with calcium several times a week.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.