What is the biggest turtle you can own as a pet?

Question

What is the biggest turtle you can own as a pet?

Answer 1

*EDIT*

Actually an Aldabra Tortoise is larger and available as a pet, rare, and costs thousands of dollars.

*/EDIT*

A Sulcata, or African Spurred Tortoise.

Read ALL of this before you even consider getting a tortoise so large:

http://www.anapsid.org/sulcata.html

Answer 2

Generally tortoises are much larger than turtles, and I think they require less maintenance. I own a Sulcata Tortoise and they are the third largest tortoise on Earth. They grow to have a 3 foot shell and can reach 250 pounds. They live up to 80 years and are vegetarians. I have not seen a Galapagos Tortoise or the second largest in the states, but I got my Sulcata (African Spur Thigh) at an Exotic Pets and Animal show for $75 for a 6-7 month old.  Below are some links to a few pictures of what they look like:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...

http://www.cbwf.com/Gallery/images/Ivory...

http://www.monkeyfrog.com/tortoises/sulc...

http://www.rgttc.org/wantsulcata_files/i...

http://sudoku.com.au/Prizes/V136.jpg

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-3851... Baby

http://www.environmental-connections.com...

If you have any more questions just email me at [e-mail]

Answer 3

It depends on your setup. The largest turtle is the leatherback but they and the other sea turtles are protected. The largest that you can own legally is the alligator snapper, topping out at 251 lb. Is that big enough for you? Got a spare swimming pool for it?