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Albino African spurred tortoise
Centrochelys sulcata "Albino"
An extremely rare genetic color morph of the African spurred tortoise, displaying a lack of melanin, red eyes, and a golden-yellow shell.
Class:Testudines
Order:Testudines
Family:Testudinidae
Genus:Centrochelys
Species:Centrochelys sulcata "Albino"
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
30 - 60 %
Day temperature
28 - 32 °C
Ambient temperature
30 °C
Night temperature
20 °C
Basking spot
35 - 38 °C
Adult size
101 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 10,000 L
UVB
High
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This color morph belongs to the species Centrochelys sulcata, native to the semi-arid Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa. Their natural environment includes dry grasslands, savannas, and desert margins. The 'Albino' morph is a recessive mutation propagated strictly within captive breeding programs.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Member of the family Testudinidae. The 'Albino' morph is caused by an autosomal recessive genetic mutation that results in the complete absence of melanin pigment. This leads to the characteristic golden-yellow or pinkish shell and skin, along with red or pink eyes due to exposed blood vessels.
Behavior and Habits: Terrestrial and diurnal. However, due to their lack of protective pigmentation, albino individuals are highly sensitive to intense light and tend to seek shade more frequently than standard specimens. They are active diggers, creating deep burrows to escape harsh external conditions.
Morphology: Retains the massive, heavy-built body of the species, with heavily scaled limbs and prominent spurs on their thighs. The carapace is a beautiful golden-yellow or cream color, completely devoid of dark brown or black markings. The eyes are bright red. Adults can grow up to 80 cm and weigh 50-80 kg.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Hatchlings require large indoor tortoise tables (minimum 120x60 cm). Adults must be kept in large, secure outdoor enclosures with deep-set fencing to prevent tunneling. Provide plenty of shaded areas under shrubs or artificial covers, and a heated shelter for nights and cold seasons.
Lighting and Heating: Provide UVB lighting (10% bulb) but ensure it is not overly bright or direct to protect their sensitive red eyes. Provide a thermal gradient with a basking spot at 35-38 degrees Celsius (95-100°F) and a cool area at 26 degrees. Night temperatures must be kept above 20 degrees Celsius.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain low ambient humidity (30-40%). A humid hide box is essential for hatchlings to prevent dehydration and ensure smooth carapace growth. A shallow, heavy water dish must be available daily. Soak young tortoises in warm water twice a week to aid hydration.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly herbivorous, high-fiber diet. Feed mixed grasses, hay, dandelion, clover, and spineless cactus pads. Do not feed fruit, sweet vegetables, or animal proteins, which can cause severe renal failure. Dust food with pure calcium three times a week and calcium with D3 once a week.
Compatibility: Males are highly territorial and will fight aggressively using their gular horns. House them individually or keep one male with multiple females in a very large outdoor area. Avoid keeping multiple males together as it leads to constant stress, fighting, and physical damage.
Health and Common Diseases: Highly prone to eye damage, photophobia, and irritation due to lack of ocular pigment. Also susceptible to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and respiratory infections if kept in damp, cold conditions. Regular health checks of their eyes and shell are highly recommended.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This color morph belongs to the species Centrochelys sulcata, native to the semi-arid Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa. Their natural environment includes dry grasslands, savannas, and desert margins. The 'Albino' morph is a recessive mutation propagated strictly within captive breeding programs.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsAfrica and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 101 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 101 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 101 cm for this species, recorded as straight carapace length (SCL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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