Origin
Widespread across West and Central Africa—typically found in slow-moving streams, swamps, and seasonal floodplains.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Rounded dark brown to olive shell with a lighter yellowish plastron. Its expressive face and frequent surface swimming make it a lively tank inhabitant. More active and visible than most aquatic turtles.

Purpose
Ideal for aquarists or educators seeking an interactive freshwater turtle. Helps showcase West African wetland ecosystems and encourages responsible, long-term reptile keeping.

Importance
Tolerant of a variety of conditions and more aquatic than many mud turtles. Adapts well to both naturalistic tanks and functional turtle tubs. Serves as a good introduction to turtle husbandry without the aggression of larger species.

Included Resources
Requires a 40–75 gallon aquarium minimum, with water heater, UVB basking light, dry basking dock, and high-quality filtration. Soft substrate preferred. Enrichment includes floating logs, aquatic plants, and hiding zones.

Best Use Cases
Used in educational exhibits, naturalistic wetland tanks, or turtle-dedicated aquariums. Can be part of an African biotope if space allows.

Conservation Context
Widespread but affected by wetland loss and international trade. Often exported for pet markets; captive breeding is increasing but not universal. Avoid wild-caught individuals when possible.

Ideal Tank Mates
• Best kept alone
• Large armored catfish (e.g., Synodontis) in large tanks
• Avoid small fish, shrimp, or other turtles—may bite or outcompete

Region (A)
• Latitude: 7.9465° N
• Longitude: -1.0232° W
(Southern Ghana – slow rivers and marshes)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 4.3957° N
• Longitude: 18.5582° E
(Central African Republic – rainforest edges and backwaters)