Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) Care

Species Overview

Common Name: Elongated Tortoise
Scientific Name: Indotestudo elongata
Adult Size:12–14 inches, 6–8 kg (13–17 lbs)
Lifespan:40–60+ years

Elongated tortoises are medium-sized, forest-dwelling tortoises native to Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and parts of southern China. They are known for their long, somewhat narrow shells, distinctive dark “eye spots” on each scute, and calm temperament.

Natural Habitat

Elongated tortoises live in humid forests and grasslands where they experience seasonal rainfall and warm, stable temperatures. They prefer areas with high humidity, leaf litter, and plenty of ground cover for hiding.

Housing

Outdoor Housing

If you live in a warm climate, outdoor housing is ideal for adult elongated tortoises.

• Enclosure Size: Minimum 8×8 feet for an adult

• Walls: Solid, non-transparent, 16–24 inches high, buried at least 6 inches to prevent digging escapes

• Shelter: Provide shaded areas, leaf litter, logs, or hides for security

• Climate: Must be kept above 70°F — provide a heated shelter if temperatures fall below

Indoor Housing

Indoor housing is necessary in cooler climates or for juveniles.

• Enclosure: Minimum 4×2 feet enclosure for juveniles, larger for adults

• Preferred Housing: Tortoise tables, large plastic tubs, or custom wooden enclosures

• Avoid: Glass aquariums — poor ventilation and increased stress

Substrate

Choose a moisture-retentive substrate to mimic the forest floor:

• Coconut coir, organic topsoil, cypress mulch, or a mix of these with leaf litter

• Depth: At least 3–6 inches to allow burrowing and moisture retention

• Keep substrate slightly damp (not wet) to maintain humidity

• Avoid sand, gravel, or wood shavings that can be ingested

Temperature & Heating

• Basking Spot:90–95°F

• Ambient Warm Side:80–85°F

• Cool Side:75–80°F

• Nighttime:Should not drop below 70°F

• Use ceramic heat emitters or radiant heat panels for safe, even heating

• Monitor temperatures with digital thermometers and regulate with a thermostat

Humidity

Elongated tortoises thrive in 60–80% humidity.

• Mist the enclosure daily or use a reptile fogger

• Provide a humid hide box filled with damp sphagnum moss

• For outdoor enclosures, include shaded, moist areas with leaf litter and plants

Lighting

Provide UVB lighting for proper calcium metabolism and shell health.

• Use high-output fluorescent tubes or mercury vapor bulbs

• Place within 12–18 inches of the basking area (no glass barriers)

• Provide 12–14 hours of light daily using a timer

• Replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months

Diet

Elongated tortoises are omnivorous, with a diet higher in fruit and protein than many other tortoise species.

Staple Diet (70–80%)

• Dark leafy greens (collard, mustard, turnip greens, endive, escarole)

• Edible weeds and flowers (dandelion, hibiscus, plantain, clover)

• Grasses in small amounts

Fruit (10–20%)

• Papaya, mango, melon, banana, strawberries, prickly pear fruit

• Feed fruit 2–3 times per week

Animal Protein (5–10%)

• Hard-boiled egg, cooked chicken, earthworms, or mealworms once per week

• Avoid high-protein diets (dog/cat food) which can cause shell deformities and kidney damage

Pelleted Diets

• Use high-quality commercial tortoise diets (Mazuri LS, Zoo Med Forest Tortoise Food) as a supplement

• Moisten pellets before feeding

Supplementation

• Dust food with calcium carbonate 2–3× weekly

• Offer reptile multivitamin 1× every 1–2 weeks

Hydration

• Provide a shallow water dish for soaking and drinking

• Soak juveniles 2–3 times weekly in shallow warm water for 15–20 minutes

Behavior & Temperament

Elongated tortoises are generally shy but calm. They prefer plenty of cover and may become stressed if handled too frequently.

Common Health Concerns

• Shell Pyramiding: Prevent with proper diet, humidity, and temperature control

• Respiratory Disease: Caused by cold, damp, or unventilated conditions

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Prevent with a balanced diet and proper UVB exposure

Key Points

• Provide warm, humid housing with plenty of hiding spots

• Feed a varied diet with more fruit and occasional protein compared to other tortoises

• Ensure access to UVB lighting and regular calcium supplementation

• Schedule annual wellness exams to monitor shell health and nutrition

📞 Call us:480-530-0370
🌐 Learn more:www.treeoflifeexotics.vet

Our veterinarians can help you design the perfect habitat, choose the right diet, and prevent common health problems in your elongated tortoise.