What are the differences between turtles, tortoises and terrapins?

skysmom65

TURTLES: Any of several varieties of reptiles that can live in fresh water, salt water or on land and have a hard shell covering their bodies. Some turtles can grow quite large, weighing over 1,000 pounds. For culinary purposes the sea or green turtle-found in temperate marine waters- is best known. It has a smooth olive green shell and green to whitish flesh; the green flesh is considered superior. These turtles are often made into a thick turtle soup that usually includes madeira or sherry as an ingredient. TERRAPIN: a small (7- to 8-inch) turtle species that inhabits fresh or brackish water, is considered by many to have the best meat. Terrapin meat is sometimes pounded and served like steak. TORTOISES: live on land and are considered less desirable than terrapin or sea turtles. Regardless of the species, the meat of the female is much more tender than that of the male. Conservation measures have limited the availability of this reptile, but some turtle meat can be found in East Coast markets, along the Gulf Coast and in Chinese markets in various regions. Canned and frozen turtle meat can sometimes be found in specialty food stores. Read here to see differences: http://www.answers.com/turtle Nov 27 06, 10:23 PM

Gnomon

In Europe, the terms are fairly clearly defined: Turtle - water-dwelling creature without claws Terrapin - water-dwelling creature with claws Tortoise - land-dwelling creature In America, the terms are more confused. Turtle can be used for any of the three types - Box-turtle and Teenage Mutant Ninja are both land-dwelling and would be tortoises by the European definition. Nov 28 06, 2:25 AM

zbeckabee

A tortoise is a turtle, but not all turtles are tortoises, at least in current usage. Tortoises are generally turtles with high domed shells and elephantine legs. Totally terrestrial, they do not swim well and are likely to drown in deep water. Water turtles are turtles with generally flattened, generally circular shells and webbed, flipper-feet for swimming. Some water turtles never leave that element. Terrapins are generally water turtles that frequent swampy areas and estuaries. http://www.fresnochaffeezoo.com/animals/turtlesTortoisesTerrapins.html Nov 28 06, 3:33 AM

SOTHC

Tortoises are purely vegetarian whilst the other are not. Gnomon's Teenage Mutant Ninja do not live on land as they inhabit the sewers. Nov 28 06, 7:23 AM