As you are aware, I have two turtles.... I was told they were both 1 year old - I really do beg to differ! The size difference is massive. The bigger one I'm 100% sure is a female as she clearly has a 'stumpy' tail, the smaller ones tail seems to be slightly thinner and longer and I think he is a male.

Tonight I have noticed that the smaller one is taking a definite interest in the bigger one -- there doesn't seem to be any malaice at all and Betty has the advantage that cos she's bigger she can easily climb over things to get away from Borris!

That said, just now he was following her around and now they are sitting quite happily side by side pleading at me with their big eyes and grin to feed them! So I really don't think they are being aggressive with each other (I will of course keep an eye on the situation)

Here are some pictures so that you can see the difference in size.... (Don't be fooled.... they are not being luvvy-dovey, I had just put some food in!!!!






This last one below shows Borris's tail...

They are lovely pictures Dawn and the size difference is huge.. mmm i've never fancied a man smaller than me personally!!
I'm being really thick here Dawn but do they come out of the tank ever? do you hold them etc?

Jeanette xx

Hiya Jeanette,

thank you for your lovely reply

They very rarely come out of the water, I have only seen each of them out on the floating island once very briefly. I handle them when I'm doing a water change/tank & filter change. They seem ok to handle, don't seem to mind it. I do however hold them by the side of the shell with fingertips as opposed to flat on my hand as they can bite (very hard apparently!!!) As yet I've not had the pleasure and have no intentions of doing so!!!!

They have very different but equally fantastic personalities and I love them dearly - they will certainly keep me occupied over the cold winter months whilst the torts snooze!

The only thing that puzzles me is their age/size difference

They are lovely...
A question from me Can they stay under water for long?

wow there is a difference in size. it could be like some torts, some grow bigger than others.
they are lovely looking and your photos are great.....tiggy

They are lovely. And they seem happy enough. Well done Dawn on Taking them on and making them so happy.

Gail
xx

Dawn
great photo's,i bet they are very interesting to watch,thanks for sharing.
Jayne

I don't know enough about musks to be sure but and adult male has a huge thick tail. How big is the smaller one Dawn?

I have a 6CM 3 striped mud who has sprouted a long thick tail and my male yellow muds tail is frankly ridiculously big.

This might help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE7mKPvV ... ata_player

wow lovely pics and what a big one!!!