Reptiles and fish are incomparable. Its like comparing an earthworm and a human, very different digestive systems. Tortoises are hind-gut fermenters, like horses. In their extended cecum (we have a much smaller non functional version called the appendix) is where the normal animals microbiota are located. Each species of tortoise has specific normal occuring microorganisms that correspond to the types of ruffage they would encounter/digest in the wild. No matter in captivity or the wild these microorganism popuations will always exist in a healthy tortoise. As with most organisms big and small competition does occur. When the microorganisms of different species of tortoise interact they usually end up killing eachother, and destroying the micro-environment of the cecum and large intestine and as a direct effect of that killing your tortoise. People are just trying to give their best personal advice. It seems that the general consensus is that you should not mix species for a reason, which i agree with from a medical standpoint. They are your animals, so you can do what you want with them, but for their best interest, I would reccomend keeping them seperate.

[ Show Entire Thread ]