Different anal scute shapes in yearling tortoise

[enchilada]

I know it’s hard to tell radiata ‘s gender until 8 to 10 years old .
But I just found out my 2 yearlings have different shapes of anal scutes (as I marked red )
Does it necessarily indicate different gender at this early stage?

 

[wellington]

If housing them together in a pair then that could affect the smaller one growth and maturity, as he's likely the one being bullied. Tortoises should be er be housed in pairs. Also likely why it's smaller if they are both about the same age. They both are also living in constant stress
Get them separated ASAP if you don't want health issues and hindered growth.

 

[Yvonne G]

I have seen first hand how keeping two baby males together causes the more submissive male to not grow the male shell characteristics. Once separated the shell starts showing male.

 

[zovick]

I know it’s hard to tell radiata ‘s gender until 8 to 10 years old .
But I just found out my 2 yearlings have different shapes of anal scutes (as I marked red )
Does it necessarily indicate different gender at this early stage?
View attachment 364470View attachment 364469View attachment 364471

I kept Asterochelys radiata from 1965 through 2019, produced three 100% CB generations of the beauties, and am telling you this from personal experience:

They may look a little different right now, but those two may still turn out to be the same sex. You'll just have to be patient or have them endoscoped.