This question rises in mind of everybody who has turtles. First I have to tell you, that it's almost impossible to tell the difference between baby turtles. Your turtle has to be an adult. Then it is possible to recognize the gender of your turtle. Another situation comes if you have more turtles. Then you can select females from males.
Let's go back to the initial question. How can you tell male turtle from female?
One of the few clues can be size. However, the size of turtle can only help you, if you have more turtles. Then you can compare them. Another option is to find information about size on the internet or in some book. You need to look for information about certain species. It's really important, because size difference differs from species to species.
Anyway, females of the most species are usually bigger than males. This difference can be very small, but it can be even tens of centimeters. However, do not be mistaken by slight differences. There are slight differences between females too. It's just the same with males. It's always best to look at more factors which can tell you difference between females and males. This will decrease the chance of a mistake.
Males of some species have different claws than females. They are usually longer. I'm talking about front claws. Ones on the back side are usually the same for both genders.
Another thing that can help you determine whether your turtle is a male of female is shape of a carapace. Again, you need to find information about an exact species.
There can be more ways to tell female turtle from male. It depends on the species you have. So, don't forget one thing. You have to search for information.
