Male or female

[albert morgan]

Have had this Question from lot's of tortoise owners is this really correct to know ? Difference between male and female tortoise.

The shape of the notch in the shell, located on the underside of the tortoise below the tail, is an indicator of whether the animal is male or female. The distinct shapes can vary by species, but generally speaking males have a V-shaped notch while females have more of a U shape.

 

[Markw84]

That is generally true. But as you noted, can vary a lot by species and by individual.

Tail size and length from anal scute to cloaca is a more generally universal difference to look for.

Sexing a tortoise is best done with species specific sexual dimorphic traits in mind. Things like plastron concavity, supracaudal inward curve, cloacal opening shape, gular elongation, chin glands, rear foot nail length, overall shape and size, etc, etc, can all be good indicators depending upon species.

and... of course flashing and egg laying are pretty good final determinations!