Ryukyu vs. Anhui, Taiwan, and Zhejiang Variants: Which is More Suitable for Novice Keepers

Get to know a turtle a day. Today, the turtle we are introducing is a subspecies of the beloved Yellow-margined box turtle favored by hobbyists—the Ryukyu yellow-margined box turtle, also abbreviated as the Ryukyu variant.

The Three Major Subspecies of Yellow-Margined Box Turtle

In China, the Yellow-margined box turtle is known by three main classifications based on habitat distribution:

The Anhui variant refers to the Yellow-margined box turtles from the Anhui region. For finer distinction, there are also classifications like Western Anhui and Southern Anhui variants. Due to the presence of wild-caught turtles from the Dabie Mountains, designations such as Hubei variant and Xinyang variant have emerged in parts of Hubei and Henan provinces, but most hobbyists still collectively refer to them as the Anhui variant. The Anhui variant has a high-domed and rounded carapace, with less melanin on the head and neck, giving it a slightly reddish color and the most spirited overall appearance.

The Taiwan variant is the Yellow-margined box turtle native to China’s Taiwan province. Its shell color is glossy black, with heavy melanin on the head and neck, creating strong facial contrast and more prominent head markings.

The Zhejiang variant is mainly distributed in Zhejiang and other areas. Individuals with yellow necks are common, and some of these yellow necks may turn whitish. High-quality specimens have a light orange-red color, but it is not translucent or deep. The carapace color is deeper than the Anhui variant but slightly brighter than the Taiwan variant, and it can be considered an intermediate between the Anhui and Taiwan variants.

Overview of the Ryukyu Variant

The Ryukyu variant is a subspecies of the Yellow-margined box turtle that has gained popularity in recent years. It is mainly distributed in the Yaeyama Islands and Miyako Islands, west of the Ryukyu Islands, which is why it is commonly called the Ryukyu variant in the market. So, what are the differences between the Ryukyu variant and the three variants from China?

External Characteristics of the Ryukyu Variant

The Ryukyu variant is significantly smaller in size than other Yellow-margined box turtle subspecies like the Anhui, Zhejiang, and Taiwan variants. Its carapace features a continuous vertebral stripe with a reddish halo and three distinctly protruding keels. The overall color is a sandalwood red, giving it a deep and weathered look. The head is smooth and round, with an olive green or brownish-tan crown. The sides of the body are yellowish-green. The mouth is like a hooked beak, and the snout is relatively well-developed, slightly hook-shaped. The plastron color is uneven; some individuals have irregular mottled patterns on their plastron. The plastrons of hatchlings mostly have two or four symmetrical black spots, which may persist into adulthood but will gradually fade with growth and wear.

Market and Rarity of the Ryukyu Variant

The Ryukyu variant and China’s Yellow-margined box turtle variants each have their unique characteristics. It is currently quite rare in the Chinese domestic market. Due to the long breeding cycle of the Yellow-margined box turtle species, the Ryukyu variant is still considered a rare variety in China. Its unique appearance and specific place of origin have attracted the attention of some turtle enthusiasts. Due to restrictions on import channels, the amount in circulation is small, and its market price is relatively mysterious, but it basically starts from 2,000 yuan.

Market Impact and Commentary on the Ryukyu Variant

Lao Wu believes the Ryukyu variant is a novel and promising variety. Currently, the price of Yellow-margined box turtles in the Chinese domestic market is stabilizing, but many hobbyists still feel the price of the Anhui variant is too high, hoping it will drop to a few hundred yuan. However, the price of the Anhui variant is supported by the Zhejiang and Taiwan variants, making a significant drop difficult. Even if breeders introduce and breed the Anhui variant themselves, the price is unlikely to decrease quickly due to the long breeding cycle. If the Ryukyu variant is introduced to the market, this new variety might have a certain impact on the Anhui variant’s market. At that time, the Ryukyu variant might be snapped up, and its price point could be higher than the current Anhui variant.

Dear readers, feel free to share your thoughts on the Ryukyu variant in the comments section.