Serrated Hinge Backed Tortoises

Serrated Hinge-backed tortoises (Kinixys erosa), more commonly called Erosas, are one of the prettiest, rarest and largest of all the Hinge-backed Tortoises – reaching up to 15 inches. Erosas like the heat and humidity and are found along and sometimes in the edges of swamps and other water bodies in west-central Africa from Gambia east to Uganda. It’s extra long limbs make it a fine swimmer, and it readily feeds on dead fish and amphibians. We feed ours lots of greens, squash, some vegetables, cactus pads, tortoise diet and cut fish.

Serrated Hinge Backed Tortoises are quickly disappearing in nature due to rapid habitat destruction and collection for food. Some have beautifully contrasting shells and bright yellow heads. Not an easy species to find, or to keep, Erosas are not for beginning keepers. With a fully hinged plastron (bottom shell), a very primitive look, and a reputation for presenting quite a challenge to keep and breed, this is one species that advanced keepers take great pride in working successfully with