Why Are These Turtles Sparring Like Mike Tyson and Jake Paul?

Turtles are a unique species of reptile with some interesting personality traits. While each turtle has its own quirks, there’s one trait that all male turtles share: face slapping. This behavior might look playful on the outside, but it means several things in turtle language. Their front claws have other practical uses that aren’t just for swimming, like in this video by @discover.animal.

It’s A WWE-Style Smackdown

A turtle’s claws are typically used primarily for swimming. However, they have several purposes out of the water. On dry land, a turtle like the one in this video might turn his flippers into boxing gloves. Swatting, or “fluttering,” can often display dominance. In the human world, slapping someone is an act of violence. In the turtle world, this smackdown is a symbol of superiority. Male turtles do this to demonstrate strength or attempt to intimidate others. The behavior is especially common during mating season when males compete for courtship.

While this can be normal depending on the environment, it’s also something to be aware of when keeping turtles as pets. If a turtle is agitated or stressed, it might slap other turtles to establish territorial boundaries. If this happens, it is best to separate the turtles or relocate them to a larger tank enclosure.

On the Other Hand, It Could Be Flirting

As aggressive as male turtles can be, they can be equally flirtatious. Depending on whether the turtle on the receiving end of the slap is male or female, this behavior could have a very different meaning. Face flutters are often part of a courtship ritual between turtles. This is similar to a mating dance, which many species participate in during mating season.

Rather than moving their entire bodies, male turtles find a mate and flutter their claws against a female’s face. This is done assertively to show off their claws, hoping to impress their future mate. This can sometimes be done by females as well, but it’s most commonly seen among males searching for a partner. In this sense, the turtle’s behavior is not aggressive but merely follows nature’s design. Since the turtle in this video is not fighting back or showing signs of agitation, we can guess this is part of a mating ritual.