A 12% intense UV tube (either T5 or T8) can be used to provide the intense UV. African helmeted turtles spend most of their time in the water so keeping it warm and clean is a priority. When selecting your turtle, look for any signs of illness, such as flakiness on the shell, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or a lack of appetite. They are semiaquatic animals, living in rivers, lakes, and marshes, and they also occupy rain pools and places that are fertilized. The eggs should be incubated in an incubator at 84oF. Courtship and reproductive behaviour: Males trail females in the breeding season. These turtles got their common name because they're unable to tuck their heads entirely inside their shells, so they tuck them to the side instead. Turtle pellets should include the calcium and other vitamins and minerals that your turtle needs. The most important decoration in a turtle enclosure is the basking area. The East African Black Mud Turtle (Pelusios subniger), also known as the Pan terrapin, is a species of turtle in the family Pelomedusidae, native to eastern and southeastern Africa. To keep your pet happy and healthy, provide proper housing, nutrition, and good hygiene.Specific requirements vary by species, so ask the breeder or pet store about exact care instructions for your turtle. Most other turtles are helpless when turned on their shells. Summary 3 The African helmeted turtle also known as the marsh terrapin or crocodile turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), is typically a rather small turtle, with most individuals being less than 20 cm in carapace length, but one has been recorded with a carapace length of 32.5 cm.It has a black or brown carapace (shell). There are 15 species in the Pelusios genus, along with a single member in the Pelomedusa genus, Pelomedusa subrufa, known as the African Helmeted Turtle.These active turtles are hardy and curious (and somewhat aggressive). These lights typically need to be around 10 to 12 inches away from where your turtle sits outside of the water. You might notice your turtle wheezing if it has a respiratory infection, along with excess mucus around its nasal passages and mouth. Another common name they are known by is West African mud turtle After approximately 60 days the eggs will start to hatch, the first babies to emerge will encourage the rest of the eggs to hatch. You can socialize pet aquatic turtles with frequent interaction, and African sidenecks are no exception. So, this species is on the larger end of the spectrum for pet turtles. All of these conditions should be treated by a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles. Are You Ready to Own a Turtle or Tortoise? What Should I Feed My Red-Eared Slider Turtle? But if you wish to use a substrate, many owners opt for sand, large pebbles, or gravel. The box should be large enough that she can fully turn-around and deep enough to dig in to. There are currently no recognized subspecies of African sideneck turtle. Answer Save. For a large tank, a quality canister filter is typically your best option. Meat (such as chicken or beef) should never be fed to your aquatic turtle. If you’re interested in similar pets, check out: Otherwise, check out other types of reptiles and amphibians that can be your new pet. Signs of this can include swelling and pus around the eyes. The African Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), is the most widely distributed turtle in all of Africa. Sidenecks are on the larger side as far as turtles go, and they can live for several decades. Aquatic turtles defecate in the water, and without a filter, you'll have to do weekly water changes. Water should always be treated before being introduced to the turtles enclosure to remove the chlorine. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2020. All Turtles require additional UVB lighting. Relevance. This bulb should be placed 30cm or closer and will need a porcelain or ceramic lamp holder. The African helmeted turtle or Marsh terrapin (Pelomedusa subrufa), is typically a rather small turtle with most individuals being less than 87.9 cm in carapace length, but one has been recorded with a carapace length of 132.5 cm. Description: It has a black or brown carapace (shell). The African helmeted turtle, also known as the marsh terrapin, crocodile turtle. However, like other aquatic turtles, these animals aren't for handling. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Plus, like most reptiles, African sideneck turtles are predisposed to respiratory infections. Captive care, feeding, housing, breeding, and research pertaining to the African helmeted turtle, Pelomedusa subrufa. The african helmeted turtle can grow to 300mm (12'') long and needs a proportional amount of space to live happily. African sidenecks also need UV lighting to properly metabolize calcium. These reptiles are most active during the day time and have a lifespan of 25+ years! In addition to keeping the water clean, you should dechlorinate the water by either letting it sit out for 24 hours before adding it to the tank or by adding a dechlorinating solution. It can help to mimic the look and feel of the animal's natural environment. The African Sideneck Turtle belongs to the family Pelomedusidae, which encompasses several different species. The African Sideneck Turtle is a part of a group of turtles. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The dried food should be created with shrimp or meat protien rather than vegetation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on your specific bulb. In large enclosure (over 3ft wide) it is worth considering getting 2 half strength water heaters and placing one at each end to ensure an even temperature. Aquatic turtles are fun to watch, especially when they're as unique looking as the African sideneck turtle. A good basking area will also include a ramp for the turtle to make it easier to climb. This is because they will need fully submerged sections without risk of warping or leaking. We have found that brown crickets are the most readily accepted, but you can also use black crickets, dubia cockroaches or locusts (hoppers). Heat lamps vary in wattage and should maintain an ambient temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking temperature of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Visit a reputable breeder or rescue organization to acquire an African sideneck turtle. A gravid female should have access to a nesting box to lay her eggs. And the bulbs usually need to be replaced every six to nine months. General Care of Matamata Turtles. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. The African helmeted turtle goes by many names such as the African side-necked turtle, the crocodile turtle, and the marsh terrapin. Young turtles often cost between $50 and $100. Large pebbles, coated gravel or riverbed sand can be used to line the bottom of the enclosure. The basking area should always be in line with the water level to ensure that your turtle can get out easily, there are floating docks available that will reposition to match the water level. African sidenecks require supplemental heat from a heat lamp to maintain their body temperature. The head is brown to olive colored and may be mottled with darker or lighter tones. Moreover, invest in a quality water filter. PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE: Ideally, you should have at least a 75-gallon aquarium that is half to three-quarters full of water. Crickets, frozen thawed pinkies and feeder goldfish can be offered as treats. This gives them a distinct advantage over their fellow turtles: If they find themselves turned upside-down, these turtles can right themselves using their neck muscles. They might be a little shy at first, but once they're comfortable, they're typically inquisitive, active turtles that can be interesting to watch. The tops of the tail and limbs are a grayish brown, while the underside is yellowish. Instead, this turtle is known for folding its head underneath the upper edge of his shell after his head has been drawn to the side. This is because they will need fully submerged sections without risk of warping or leaking. It may also feed on carrion. Captive care, feeding, housing, breeding, and research pertaining to the African helmeted turtle, Pelomedusa subrufa. It is adviseable to clean any substrate before placing it into the enclosure. Kinds Of Turtles Turtles For Sale Cute Turtles Turtle Pond Pet Turtle Russian Tortoise Tortoise Turtle Terrapin Frog And Toad. They eat some plant material, as well as insects, fish, crustaceans, and aquatic turtle pellets. The African Helmeted Turtle inhabits a large portion of Africa, from the Cape Peninsula to the Sudan. Similar Species to the African Sideneck Turtle, How to Encourage Basking for Your Red-Eared Slider Turtle, How to Set up a Tank for Your Red-Eared Slider Turtle. These turtles can be quite messy due to their high protein diet so require quite a strong filter to keep them clean. You do not need to do anything to encourage this, providing they are healthy and the conditions are good, it will happen naturally. Captive care of Pelomedusa subrufa, African helmeted turtle African Sidenecked turtles are tropical species, they need watertemperatures of 22-27ºC year round. Plan a tank of at least 100 cm or 40" long and if possible more (120 cm or 47" being really ideal for 1 specimen). A contant temperature of 25oC (75-80oF) should be maintained day and night. Use a secure metal mesh screen lid to keep your turtle safe, especially if you have other pets. GENERAL The Matamata is truly one of the world’s most unusual turtles! Either a 60w or 100w basking bulb should be sufficient depending on temperatures achieved. Online Order Enquiries - Monday to Friday, In-store Shop Enquiries - Monday to Sunday, By subscribing you agree to be sent marketing emails from Northampton Reptile Centre. These are tricky to treat because the turtle might not show obvious symptoms. A male will touch the female's vent and hindquarters to elicit a response, or biting the limbs and tail if this fails. Some wild caught species, such as the African Sideneck turtle and Helmeted turtle, may need to be offered crickets and pinkies while becoming acclimated to captivity, along with offering them a pelleted diet. Aquatic turtles are often afflicted with parasites, such as roundworms. Sidenecks have moderate care needs but can be suitable for beginners if you're willing to put in the work. If you keep a male and female together, they may breed. It’s also found as far west as Ghana and as far south as Cape Town. They have large, round eyes and a mouth that looks like it’s fixed into a permanent smile. The African helmeted turtle also known as the marsh terrapin or crocodile turtle, Article by Keith Pings. Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella. Alternatively a sigle mercury vapour bulb can be used to provide both heat and UV. A water heater can be used to keep the water warm. They prefer standing water like swamps, marshes, rain pools and lakes, however, they do live next to flowing rivers. Some of the main items in its diet are insects, small crustaceans, fish, tadpoles, earthworms, snails and vegetation. During the day the turtle will periodically move on to the basking area. The shell of an African Sideneck Turtle can grow anywhere from eight to upwards of eighteen inches. It is necessary to set up an emergent part and an aquatic part in … The tank should also be tall enough to provide areas for the turtle to swim so we suggest a minimum height of around 300mm. This trait separates them from the East African mud turtle (Pelusios subniger) which features an unmarked head and a "figure 8" shaped plastron. Turtles might not be as cuddly as cats or dogs, but they make great pets. Also, provide a dry land area using a floating dock or large rocks, so your turtle can climb out of the water to dry off. This differentiates them from a very similar species of turtle, the African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa) which sports a fixed plastron. As juveniles the african helmeted turtle can be kept in a 900mm enclosure but this will have to be upgraded as they grow. Those with weighted bottoms can be fully submerged whilst light plastic decorations can be left to float on top. We have found that Spider Life substrate is ideal. shrimp, salmon, mice and chicks can also be fed for the meat portion of the turtles diet. 24. Substrate is the material that lines the bottom of your turtle’s aquarium. Extremely Tough Species And Easy To Care For Medium Sized Species That Will Be Great In An Outdoor Pond Or An Indoor Setup Voracious Feeders Eating Turtle Pellets And Fish Regularly Originating Out Of Africa Mainly In The Western Regions **All orders may be delayed by up to 2 working days**, Housing: a turtle terrarium of at least 90-120cm in length, Heating: basking temperature of 100oF and intense UVB, Water Maintenance:temperature of 80oF and a strong filter, Diet: carnivorous mix of shrimp, meat and insects. Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella. Both P. castaneus and P. subniger exhibit a hinged plastron. They are very similar to the African helmeted turtle, however, and the names are frequently interchanged. A ramp and dock should be used to ensure the turtle has a space to get out of the water and bask. it has an black or brown carapace (shell).The tops of the tail and limbs are a grayish brown, while the underside is yellowish. You need to consider whether you want this to happen. If you have a powerful filter you should only need to check it once a fortnight and clean the entire enclosure once every 3 months or so. Read our, African Sideneck Turtle Behavior and Temperament. 1 decade ago. The substrate should be left to settle before the euipment is turned back on and the turtles are put in. The African helmeted turtle also known as the marsh terrapin or crocodile turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), is typically a rather small turtle, with most individuals being less than 20 cm in carapace length, but one has been recorded with a carapace length of 32.5 cm. Giving the turtles partial cover and a mixture of weighted and floating decorations provide great enrichment and help the turtle feel secure. African sideneck turtles also are prone to vitamin A deficiency. Favourite answer. P. subrufa is a semiaquatic animal, living in rivers, lakes, and marshes, and it also occupies rain pools and places that are fertilized. A recommended pH of 6.5 (a fairly neutral pH) should be maintained and can be easily checked with water test strips from the pet store. Also known as African Mud Turtles or African Helmeted Turtles, these turtles can’t completely hide their heads in their shells. For this reason we suggest a tank with at least 900-1200mm in width. The African helmeted turtle is omnivorous and will eat almost anything. A place for pictures and photographs. Artificial plants are a great way to provide cover under water and add colour to the enclosure. For this reason we suggest a tank with at least 900-1200mm in width. They can also be fed dried foods when the fresh or live options are not available. Like most aquatic turtles, African sidenecks are omnivores. The african helmeted turtle can grow to 300mm (12'') long and needs a proportional amount of space to live happily. Moreover, shell rot—perhaps the most common illness to affect aquatic turtles—is also a concern for African sidenecks. We use a soil mix in there that is wet enough to clump but no more. The frican helmeted turtle will eat a range of aquatic foods, meat products and livefood. They basking area should have a temperature of 35-40ºC under the spotlight. And as it progresses, it can cause painful ulcers on the turtle's shell. Don't try to treat a sick turtle with a home remedy before checking with your vet first. As a semi aquatic species, African helmeted turtles prefer to spend most of their time in freshwater swamps, lakes, dams, and pans. We incubate our eggs in sealed boxes on a moisture rich substrate (such as Hatchrite) to trap the humidity around the eggs. Includes DIY plans for plywood tanks, ponds, bio-filters, and incubators. African sidenecks have longer necks than most other species of turtles. African helmeted turtles require a glass turtle tank as their enclosure. The African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), also known commonly as the marsh terrapin, the crocodile turtle, or in the pet trade as the African side-necked turtle, is a species of omnivorous side-necked terrapin in the family Pelomedusidae.The species naturally occurs in fresh and stagnant water bodies throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa, and in southern Yemen. They're stressed very easily, and they might bite when provoked. SPend_day. 30.9k votes, 691 comments. A substrate isn’t essential, and it will collect food and waste, requiring regular cleaning. 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