General Description
- Scientific Name: Pelomedusa subrufa
- Common Names: African sideneck turtle, African mud turtle, Helmeted turtle
- Lifespan: 20-50 years in captivity, potentially longer in the wild.
- Size: Adult turtles range from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) in shell length.
- Weight: Usually between 1.5 to 2.5 lbs (0.7 to 1.1 kg).
Physical Characteristics
- Shell: The carapace (upper shell) is domed and oval-shaped, usually brown, olive, or black. The plastron (lower shell) is lighter in color.
- Neck: Unlike many other turtles, African sidenecks cannot retract their heads fully into their shells. Instead, they tuck their heads sideways under the edge of the carapace, giving them the name "sideneck."
- Skin: They have smooth, leathery skin, typically gray or brown, with some variations.
Habitat
- Natural Range: Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, including countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, and Senegal.
- Environment: Found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes. They prefer slow-moving or still waters with soft, muddy bottoms.
- Temperature: They thrive in warm climates. Ideal water temperatures are around 75-82°F (24-28°C), with a basking area of 90-95°F (32-35°C).
Diet
- Omnivorous: They have a varied diet consisting of both animal and plant matter.
- In the Wild: They eat aquatic insects, small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, and occasionally plant material.
- In Captivity: A balanced diet should include commercial turtle pellets, live or frozen prey like worms or small fish, and leafy greens.
Behavior
- Aquatic Nature: Primarily aquatic, they spend most of their time in the water but come out to bask or during the breeding season.
- Basking: They need a basking area with access to UVB lighting if kept in captivity.
- Burrowing: Known to burrow in mud during dry periods or when they feel threatened.
Reproduction
- Mating: Occurs in water, with the female laying eggs on land.
- Clutch Size: Females lay 10-30 eggs per clutch, often in sandy or muddy areas near water.
- Incubation: Eggs take about 60-90 days to hatch, depending on temperature.
Care in Captivity
- Tank Size: A single adult turtle requires a tank of at least 75-100 gallons.
- Water Filtration: Strong filtration is necessary to keep the water clean.
- Diet: A varied diet including pellets, live prey, and vegetation is important.
- UVB Lighting: Necessary for calcium metabolism and shell health.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status: Generally listed as "Least Concern," but some populations may be threatened by habitat loss and pollution.
The African sideneck turtle is a hardy and interesting species, making it a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts. However, they require proper care, including a well-maintained aquatic environment and a balanced diet, to thrive in captivity.