Often overlooked by reptile enthusiasts who tend to focus on more flamboyant species, the West African mud turtle (*Pelusios castaneus*) is a fascinating and adaptable creature. This article delves into the various aspects of this turtle, from its physical characteristics and natural habitat to its behavior and care requirements in captivity.
West African Mud Turtle (*Pelusios castaneus*)
Physical Characteristics
It’s likely because the West African mud turtle does not exhibit exquisite radiating lines on the carapace or highly contrasting skin patterns featuring brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. The genus name *Pelusios* means “mud,” and the West African mud turtle lives up to its name. Its smooth, elliptical carapace lacks any pattern and is a uniform dark to light brown. The legs and head are a dark gray to brown with a light reticulated pattern on the top of the head. Only when the turtle is viewed from the bottom does a color other than brown become more evident: a creamy yellow coloration can be seen on the soft parts beneath.
While just about every single wild *Pelusios* is some shade of dark brown, those that are born in captivity are sometimes surprisingly attractive. As the young, captive-born turtles grow, they become a uniform light cream color with highlighted areas of yellow or white. The darker coloration is lacking, and these juveniles appear to be nearly hypomelanistic.
Male mud turtles have longer, thicker tails than females, with a slightly concave plastron. Females have shorter, smaller tails and flat plastrons. The large, flat head and neck are withdrawn into the carapace sideways, giving this turtle its other common name: African side-necked turtle.
Read also: Learn About African Aquatic Turtle Care
Distinguishing from *Pelusios subniger*
For a long time, the West African mud turtle was referred to as *P. subniger* in captive collections. *Pelusios subniger* is actually a different species of mud turtle-the East African mud turtle-and is very rare in captivity. Though the two species are easy to confuse, *P. subniger* lacks any head pattern and its plastron exhibits a figure-8 shape; both characteristics can help you differentiate it from *P. castaneus*.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
In nature, *P. castaneus* is native to West Africa (Angola, Guinea, Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Republic of the Congo are just of few of the places they occur), where specimens are found in many aquatic habitats. Some of these dry up seasonally, forcing the turtles to aestivate deep down into the mud to wait for the return of the wet season.
Distribution area of the West African Mud Turtle
Adaptability and Behavior
Due to the variety of aquatic environments it inhabits in its African homeland, where it may occupy everything from rivers to seasonal mud holes, *P. castaneus* is quite adaptable and does not appear to be very picky in captivity. The West African mud turtle joins itself alongside some of the most primeval species of turtles having first walked the planet some 120 million years ago. Today, it remains on the IUCN’s list of species of “least concern,” meaning it appears to be doing rather well in nature.
Pelusios castaneus was designed for survival and adaptation, which makes it appealing to turtle enthusiasts looking for a problem-free species to keep as a pet.
Read also: Caring for African Helmeted Turtles
Care in Captivity
Growing to a maximum size of about 11 inches, *P. castaneus* is one of the hobby’s easiest turtles to obtain, and it is a much more manageable species to keep when compared to main staples such as the red-eared slider. Plus, it’s packed full of personality.
Perfect African-sideneck Turtle Indoor Habitat
Enclosure
West African mud turtles do well in all-glass aquariums, large Rubbermaid totes or bins, baby pools, troughs, stock tanks and custom-built enclosures. Whichever you choose, it’s important to provide the turtles enough space, especially when keeping multiple specimens. For up to four adult turtles, an area measuring 6 by 3? feet and 125 to 175 gallons will usually suffice, but be sure to watch out for any turtle that is overly aggressive. Such an individual will need to be removed at once in order to avoid serious injury to the other turtles.
West African mud turtles tend to be easy going and rarely attempt to bite, but a responsible keeper should always be on the lookout for potential problems. The water depth does not need to be more than 8 inches, and it should include live or artificial plants to make the turtles feel secure. Pelusios castaneus has strong claws that it sometimes uses to climb.
I don’t use any substrate in any of my indoor aquatic turtle set ups simply because I prefer to keep things simple. A bare bottom is easier to clean when the water needs changing. West African mud turtles can be quite messy when feeding, and they will rapidly dirty the water.
Outdoor Enclosure
An outdoor enclosure measuring 10 by 10 feet can house up to eight adult turtles, with a water area accounting for 75 percent of the space. The remaining 25 percent can be planted with low-lying shrubs and grasses, and could be used by females as a nesting area. Like all outdoor turtle enclosures, security from predators and escapes is a must. A secure retaining wall measuring at least 18 to 24 inches tall can be made from pressure-treated wood, landscaping timbers, bricks or other strong materials.
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The water area should not be too deep because these mud turtles prefer to crawl along the bottom rather than swim in open water. A suggested depth of 8 to 12 inches, with a gradual slope to enable easy in-and-out access, works well. After digging the basin, line it with a 45 to 65 millimeter-thick pond liner.
Peat moss can be placed at the bottom and will allow the turtles to do some underwater burrowing. It will also provide aquatic vegetation a place to anchor its roots. West African mud turtles appreciate aquatic vegetation for cover; water lilies, anacharis, hyacinth and water lettuce are excellent choices.
Predator-proof covers for the outdoor habitat can be constructed using 2- by 3-inch wooden framing that is then fitted with strong wire mesh. Set on hinges and equipped with latches, such covers will keep pesky raccoons and other harmful animals away from your turtles.
Basking and Temperature
As mentioned, *P. castaneus* basks often, unlike other shallow-water, mud-dwelling turtles. In the wild, large numbers of them can be seen clustered along river banks, soaking up the powerful African sun. Those that are kept indoors must be provided with a powerful, heat-emitting bulb of 100 to 150 watts. Mercury vapor bulbs are my favorite because they also provide both UVA and UVB rays. These bulbs can be placed in ceramic fixtures, available at pet and home improvement stores, and positioned about 12 inches above the basking area.
The basking area should be maintained at a temperature between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with the ambient room temperature hovering in the low 80s. If your turtles are kept in a room that tends to be cool, also use a submersible water heater to warm the water in the enclosure to 70 to 75 degrees.
Given its natural distribution, Pelusios castaneus should definitely be kept in warm water, ranging from 24°C to 26 or 27°C (75-80°F). Allowing the water temperature to get warmer than this will cause your turtle to be very active, which is not so good for its health, if there is no seasonal changing observed. Likewise, allowing the temperature to get too much colder than this can slow down their metabolism, causing your turtle to be weaker and inactive.
Feeding
Healthy West African mud turtles are impressive consumers. If you make food available to them, they will eat it-all of it. They will beg for food and accept almost anything. Some fruits or greens are taken, but *P. castaneus* is much more inclined to strip a chicken leg or thigh of all its meat, skin and cartilage. Individuals become quite enthusiastic at feeding time and will leave the water to snatch a tasty item from your hands.
*Pelusios castaneus* used to be referred to as *P. subniger* in the pet trade, but P. Fish, shrimp, chicken, beef heart, pinky mice, whole skinned mice, dog and cat foods (sparingly) and koi pellets, as well as any commercial aquatic turtle pellets, are all devoured voraciously by West African mud turtles. They do not need to eat every day; feeding them every two to three days will suffice. They can become obese quickly, so be cautious when feeding. Don’t forget, too, that turtles kept outdoors will find a lot of their own food.
Baby turtles will accept all the above-mentioned foods, but it may be necessary to cut their food into more manageable pieces that the babies can swallow easily.
Hatchlings and Juveniles
Hatchlings and juveniles can be housed indoors in the same type of set up as the adult turtles. The water should not be as deep, because they can drown at such a vulnerable age. I recommend a depth of 2 to 4 inches until the turtles are exhibiting significant growth. An abundance of aquatic vegetation should be provided, along with plenty of basking furniture.
Hatchling West African Mud Turtles are best maintained in a small enclosure with a water depth about 10 cm (4”). Lots of plants like water lettuce and water hyacinths should be provided to give privacy to the turtles. Half of a clay pot could be used to provide a place to hide under or to crawl onto. A basking area is even required as hatchlings with high temperature and UV as described above in the “Temperatures” section.
Hatchling Pelusios castaneus will eat a diet quite similar to adults. Bloodworms are a good choice, as they are easy to catch and the reddish color is very attractive to them. Small fish, crustaceans, insects and snails are also much appreciated and are a good source of nutrients. Small pieces of chicken and chicken liver can be provided.
Social dynamics
Pelusios castaneus adults can be kept together but it is necessary to maintain a ration of several females for each male in order to avoid too much stress on the female; males will spend a lot of time harassing the female. If kept together, it is also necessary to have multiples hides (such as half a clay pot, plants or rocks) in the tank. Be aware that males can be very aggressive towards females. It is not uncommon for females to end up with bad bites on the neck from male aggression.
Aestivation and Breeding
Pelusios castaneus can be subject to aestivation. It is not mandatory for breeding purposes, but it’s highly advised. To do so, it is best to imitate Mother Nature. This species goes through an aestivation to escape the harsh summer conditions in its native land. Therefore, one has to gradually increase the water temperature as well as gradually lower the water level in the enclosure at the same time in order to simulate the dry season. The water temperature should then be increased to 30-35°C (86-95°F) and the water drained off until the enclosure gets almost completely dry.
Wild specimens will lay eggs up to twice a year. In captivity, it is often observed that Pelusios castaneus only lay eggs once a year. If an aestivation is performed, the mating ritual should occur fairly quickly after they wake up. The ritual often consists of the male rubbing his snout against the female’s snout in order to immobilize her. Then the male will climb on the top of the female and clamp himself to her with his claws. He will sometimes smash his snout against the females’ snout.
Approximately two months later, the female will start to look for a place to lay her eggs. She will then dig a hole using her back feet. Note that large females can bury their eggs very deep in the substrate. Depending on the temperature of incubation, the eggs will hatch between 55 and 75 days.
The West African Mud Turtle, like most freshwater turtles, is a Temperature-dependent Sex Determination (TSD) species. The TSD mechanism for P castaneus is Pattern II (TSD-2), which means that there are two transition zones, with males dominating at intermediate temperatures and females dominating at both extremes.
Health and disease
This species is somehow extremely strong and resistant. I have rarely seen sick specimens or specimens with shell rot or mycosis. The fact that it lives in warm water helps to maintain a good immune system. It is well known that cold environments can weaken the immune system and makes it more propitious to catch a disease. Likewise, this species is supposed to be kept with high UV index, which also helps killing bacteria in their tank.
However, due to the fact that Pelusios species do not shed scutes, it is a must to make sure the water is clean.
Conservation Status and Threats
Currently, it is mainly threatened by widespread collection from the wild for the illegal international trade in the species. It is also collected by local peoples for food and human population growth in the area is putting pressure on the species. Human-induced fire is also a threat.
Fun Facts
- The African mud turtle are the smallest of all African turtle species.
- Turtles and Tortoises are known to be highly intelligent. They can dig under or plan their escape from captivity, they can learn new tricks and remember them for a very long time.
- In most Zambian cultures, turtles and tortoises are revered and respected by people. It is said that one should never kill a turtle or tortoise without reason.
Conclusion
And what the West African mud turtle lacks in appearance, it makes up for in personality and ease of care. It has been kept successfully for decades and remains a favorite of many aquatic turtle enthusiasts, which is not a surprise.
