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. A place for pictures and photographs. The African Helmeted Turtle is a relatively small turtle with a shell length of 15-18 cm (6 to 7 ) as an adult. A good basking spot should be around 80oF and provide sufficient UV. Substrate is the material that lines the bottom of your turtle’s aquarium. This bulb should be placed 30cm or closer and will need a porcelain or ceramic lamp holder. Can any one tell me the sort of care needed for African Helmeted Turtles - like temp, humidity, light, enclosure, feeding, and size etc. For this reason we suggest a tank with at least 900-1200mm in width. A ramp and dock should be used to ensure the turtle has a space to get out of the water and bask. African Helmeted Turtles ? It is adviseable to clean any substrate before placing it into the enclosure. As juveniles the african helmeted turtle can be kept in a 900mm enclosure but this will have to be upgraded as they grow. African helmeted turtles aestivate underground during the dry season, and often emerge in large numbers following heavy storms. They have large, round eyes and a mouth that looks like it’s fixed into a permanent smile. These reptiles are most active during the day time and have a lifespan of 25+ years! A substrate isn’t essential, and it will collect food and waste, requiring regular cleaning. African sidenecks also need UV lighting to properly metabolize calcium. 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. African sidenecks have longer necks than most other species of turtles. They prefer standing water like swamps, marshes, rain pools and lakes, however, they do live next to flowing rivers. The shell is very thin, oval shaped, and brown to olive in color. Aquatic turtles are fun to watch, especially when they're as unique looking as the African sideneck turtle. The African Side-necked Turtles or African Mud Turtles have gained in popularity in recent years. This allows the turtle to dry off, warm up, absorb UVB and rest. Answer Save. The tops of the tail and limbs are a grayish brown, while the underside is yellowish. The African Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), also known commonly as the Marsh terrapin. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This differentiates them from a very similar species of turtle, the African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa) which sports a fixed plastron. African Sidenecked turtles are tropical species, they need watertemperatures of 22-27ºC year round. They can also be fed dried foods when the fresh or live options are not available. All Turtles require additional UVB lighting. For this mainly aquatic turtle, a good length of the front of the tank is essential. They are very similar to the African helmeted turtle, however, and the names are frequently interchanged. A spot light and UV tube can be used over the basking area of the turtle. Includes DIY plans for plywood tanks, ponds, bio-filters, and incubators. It may also feed on carrion. 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. 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. General Care of Matamata Turtles. Sidenecks are on the larger side as far as turtles go, and they can live for several decades. African helmeted turtles require a glass turtle tank as their enclosure. A contant temperature of 25oC (75-80oF) should be maintained day and night. There are currently no recognized subspecies of African sideneck turtle. If you keep a male and female together, they may breed. 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. Captive care of Pelomedusa subrufa, African helmeted turtle 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. The seller should be able to tell you about the turtle's origin and health. This disease usually begins as a fungal or bacterial infection. SPend_day. 30.9k votes, 691 comments. Aquatic turtles defecate in the water, and without a filter, you'll have to do weekly water changes. It is necessary to set up an emergent part and an aquatic part in … As a semi aquatic species, African helmeted turtles prefer to spend most of their time in freshwater swamps, lakes, dams, and pans. 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. A 12% intense UV tube (either T5 or T8) can be used to provide the intense UV. Your turtle should be able to swim and dive in its aquarium, so the larger it is, the better. The African helmeted turtle also known as the marsh terrapin or crocodile turtle, Article by Keith Pings. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2020. The dried food should be created with shrimp or meat protien rather than vegetation. What will you do with the babies if you incubate the eggs? This is because they will need fully submerged sections without risk of warping or leaking. The shell of an African Sideneck Turtle can grow anywhere from eight to upwards of eighteen inches. African helmeted turtles require UVB light in order to synthesise vitamin D. Without vitamin D (in particular D3) the turtle will not be able to metabolise calcium properly causing problems with bone growth. Description: It has a black or brown carapace (shell). Artificial plants are a great way to provide cover under water and add colour to the enclosure. If you’re interested in similar pets, check out: Otherwise, check out other types of reptiles and amphibians that can be your new pet. The head is brown to olive colored and may be mottled with darker or lighter tones. Ideally, you should have at least a 75-gallon aquarium that is half to three-quarters full of water. For a large tank, a quality canister filter is typically your best option. 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). Sidenecks have moderate care needs but can be suitable for beginners if you're willing to put in the work. Either a 60w or 100w basking bulb should be sufficient depending on temperatures achieved. And as it progresses, it can cause painful ulcers on the turtle's shell. These are tricky to treat because the turtle might not show obvious symptoms. African sideneck turtles also are prone to vitamin A deficiency. Young turtles often cost between $50 and $100. It has a black or brown carapace (shell). Water should always be treated before being introduced to the turtles enclosure to remove the chlorine. What Should I Feed My Red-Eared Slider Turtle? As a semi aquatic species, African helmeted turtles prefer to spend most of their time in freshwater swamps, lakes, dams, and pans. Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella. 24. A good basking area will also include a ramp for the turtle to make it easier to climb. The box should be large enough that she can fully turn-around and deep enough to dig in to. Captive care, feeding, housing, breeding, and research pertaining to the African helmeted turtle, Pelomedusa subrufa. Don't try to treat a sick turtle with a home remedy before checking with your vet first. Favourite answer. Visit a reputable breeder or rescue organization to acquire an African sideneck turtle. So, this species is on the larger end of the spectrum for pet turtles. The African Sideneck Turtle is a part of a group of turtles. Turtles might not be as cuddly as cats or dogs, but they make great pets. Signs of this can include swelling and pus around the eyes. These lights typically need to be around 10 to 12 inches away from where your turtle sits outside of the water. 25.8m members in the pics community. Turtle pellets should include the calcium and other vitamins and minerals that your turtle needs. You do not need to do anything to encourage this, providing they are healthy and the conditions are good, it will happen naturally. Like most aquatic turtles, African sidenecks are omnivores. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Plus, they might carry salmonella bacteria, so it's important to wash your hands after handling anything in their environment. And it's probably best to keep them away from small children due to the risk of infection. Common Names: African sideneck turtle, African side-necked turtle, African helmeted turtle, marsh terrapin, crocodile turtle, Life Expectancy: 25 to 50 years (or more). Follow the manufacturer's instructions on your specific bulb. Giving the turtles partial cover and a mixture of weighted and floating decorations provide great enrichment and help the turtle feel secure. They're stressed very easily, and they might bite when provoked. 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. Alternatively a sigle mercury vapour bulb can be used to provide both heat and UV. shrimp, salmon, mice and chicks can also be fed for the meat portion of the turtles diet. This is because they will need fully submerged sections without risk of warping or leaking. 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. These turtles can be quite messy due to their high protein diet so require quite a strong filter to keep them clean. Both P. castaneus and P. subniger exhibit a hinged plastron. African helmeted turtle - Honolulu Zoo.org. They eat some plant material, as well as insects, fish, crustaceans, and aquatic turtle pellets. 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. 1 decade ago. Keep a UV-emitting lamp on the tank for around 12 hours per day to maintain a normal day-night cycle. 3 Answers. Most other turtles are helpless when turned on their shells. The fine claws on its feet help it tear its prey apart. it has an black or brown carapace (shell).The tops of the tail and limbs are a grayish brown, while the underside is yellowish. They basking area should have a temperature of 35-40ºC under the spotlight. You can socialize pet aquatic turtles with frequent interaction, and African sidenecks are no exception. Kinds Of Turtles Turtles For Sale Cute Turtles Turtle Pond Pet Turtle Russian Tortoise Tortoise Turtle Terrapin Frog And Toad. A general guide to go by is 1W will warm 1L of water. The African Helmeted Turtle inhabits a large portion of Africa, from the Cape Peninsula to the Sudan. The tops of the tail and limbs are a grayish brown, while the underside is yellowish. And the bulbs usually need to be replaced every six to nine months. The African Helmeted turtle also known as the marsh terrapin , crocodile turtle or in the pet trade as African side-necked turtle, is an omnivorous side-necked terrapin that naturally occurs in fresh and stagnant water bodies throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa, and even in southern Yemen. 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. Read our, African Sideneck Turtle Behavior and Temperament. They are semiaquatic animals, living in rivers, lakes, and marshes, and they also occupy rain pools and places that are fertilized. 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. The african helmeted turtle can grow to 300mm (12'') long and needs a proportional amount of space to live happily. African helmeted turtles spend most of their time in the water so keeping it warm and clean is a priority. 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. We use a soil mix in there that is wet enough to clump but no more. Are You Ready to Own a Turtle or Tortoise? You need to consider whether you want this to happen. But if you wish to use a substrate, many owners opt for sand, large pebbles, or gravel. We incubate our eggs in sealed boxes on a moisture rich substrate (such as Hatchrite) to trap the humidity around the eggs. The african helmeted turtle can grow to 300mm (12'') long and needs a proportional amount of space to live happily. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. 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. GENERAL The Matamata is truly one of the world’s most unusual turtles! Feed your turtle as much as it will eat in a 15- to 30-minute period roughly every 24 hours. P. subrufa is a semiaquatic animal, living in rivers, lakes, and marshes, and it also occupies rain pools and places that are fertilized. 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. We have found that brown crickets are the most readily accepted, but you can also use black crickets, dubia cockroaches or locusts (hoppers). 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. 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). If you do not do this trace elements in the tap water can disturb the biological pads in your filter and even effect your pet. 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 African helmeted turtles require a glass turtle tank as their enclosure. Like most aquatic turtles, African sidenecks are omnivores. PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE: Use a secure metal mesh screen lid to keep your turtle safe, especially if you have other pets. The most important decoration in a turtle enclosure is the basking area. 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 large South American species is a wonder to watch - its interesting lifestyle and bizarre appearance make it perfect for a beautiful display. The African helmeted turtle, also known as the marsh terrapin, crocodile turtle. Includes DIY plans for plywood tanks, ponds, bio-filters, and incubators. Some of the main items in its diet are insects, small crustaceans, fish, tadpoles, earthworms, snails and vegetation. Some people prefer canister filters while others like the smaller submersible filters. **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. The substrate should be left to settle before the euipment is turned back on and the turtles are put in. Turtle pellets should include the calcium and other vitamins and minerals that your turtle needs. For 2 turtles, move to a tank of at least 150 cm or 59" in length. 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. It can help to mimic the look and feel of the animal's natural environment. African sidenecks require supplemental heat from a heat lamp to maintain their body temperature. The African helmeted turtle is omnivorous and will eat almost anything. It should be large enough to fit the turtle with some room to turn. We have found that Spider Life substrate is ideal. The African helmeted turtle goes by many names such as the African side-necked turtle, the crocodile turtle, and the marsh terrapin. Aquatic turtles are often afflicted with parasites, such as roundworms. Plus, like most reptiles, African sideneck turtles are predisposed to respiratory infections. The African Sideneck Turtle belongs to the family Pelomedusidae, which encompasses several different species. Crickets, frozen thawed pinkies and feeder goldfish can be offered as treats. It occupies the entire continent south of the Sahara desert. The eggs should be incubated in an incubator at 84oF. http://www.reptilecentre.comThese are our African Helmeted Turtles Chas and Dave. After approximately 60 days the eggs will start to hatch, the first babies to emerge will encourage the rest of the eggs to hatch. 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. Meat (such as … For this reason we suggest a tank with at least 900-1200mm in width. All of these conditions should be treated by a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles. Also known as African Mud Turtles or African Helmeted Turtles, these turtles can’t completely hide their heads in their shells. 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. There are no detremental effects for having them in the enclosure for life straight away so we usually suggest you start with the full set up. The African Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), is the most widely distributed turtle in all of Africa. This trait separates them from the East African mud turtle (Pelusios subniger) which features an unmarked head and a "figure 8" shaped plastron. Meat (such as chicken or beef) should never be fed to your aquatic turtle. Lv 6. Those with weighted bottoms can be fully submerged whilst light plastic decorations can be left to float on top. You might notice your turtle wheezing if it has a respiratory infection, along with excess mucus around its nasal passages and mouth. A gravid female should have access to a nesting box to lay her eggs. Their shell is often a dark brown, and their skin ranges from olive to brown with black markings on the top of their head. The frican helmeted turtle will eat a range of aquatic foods, meat products and livefood. When selecting your turtle, look for any signs of illness, such as flakiness on the shell, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or a lack of appetite. The African helmeted turtle goes by many names such as the African side-necked turtle, the crocodile turtle, and the marsh terrapin. 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. Relevance. Remove the uneaten food, so it doesn't spoil or clog the filter. They eat some plant material, as well as insects, fish, crustaceans, and aquatic turtle pellets. It’s also found as far west as Ghana and as far south as Cape Town. So, the enclosure should be a closed system. The temperature should never drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night when the basking light gets turned off. A male will touch the female's vent and hindquarters to elicit a response, or biting the limbs and tail if this fails. Moreover, invest in a quality water filter. Captive care, feeding, housing, breeding, and research pertaining to the African helmeted turtle, Pelomedusa subrufa. Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella. Just like it's cousin, the West African Mud Turtle, the African Helmeted Turtle belongs to the most ancient of all living turtles, having first appeared 120 million years ago. The airtemperature of the enclosure should be at least 2 degrees higher than the watertemperature, to prevent lungproblems. Moreover, shell rot—perhaps the most common illness to affect aquatic turtles—is also a concern for African sidenecks. A water heater can be used to keep the water warm. Large pebbles, coated gravel or riverbed sand can be used to line the bottom of the enclosure. Since they can live for decades, be sure you're ready to make a long-term commitment before purchasing a turtle. Parasitic infections are usually discovered during an exam by a reptile veterinarian. 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Is turned back on and the names are frequently interchanged they can also be tall enough to fit turtle... Or 100w basking bulb should be created with shrimp or meat protien rather than vegetation swim so suggest. Turtle to make a long-term commitment before purchasing a turtle enclosure is most. The temperature should never drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night when basking.