Freshwater
Turtle
More details
West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)
Free
Free
Description
The African Mud Turtle is a hardy, semi-aquatic turtle species native to West and Central Africa. Known for its inquisitive nature and high activity level, it's a popular choice for keepers seeking a personable turtle that adapts well to captivity.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires warm water, basking area, and moderate filtration. More aquatic than most mud turtles—easy to feed but needs space and strong hygiene.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred populations are common; wild exports still occur in some regions. Choose ethically sourced specimens to reduce ecological strain.
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)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires warm water, basking area, and moderate filtration. More aquatic than most mud turtles—easy to feed but needs space and strong hygiene.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred populations are common; wild exports still occur in some regions. Choose ethically sourced specimens to reduce ecological strain.
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)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires warm water, basking area, and moderate filtration. More aquatic than most mud turtles—easy to feed but needs space and strong hygiene.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive-bred populations are common; wild exports still occur in some regions. Choose ethically sourced specimens to reduce ecological strain.
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)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)
Region
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