African Side-Necked Turtles: Pelomedusidae - Physical Characteristics, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Conservation Status, Helmeted Turtle (pelomedusa Subrufa): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, AFRICAN SIDE-NECKED TURTLES AND PEOPLE
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African side-necked turtles live in Africa, Madagascar, and the Seychelles Islands, which are northeast of Madagascar.
These turtles often are seen in freshwater lakes and rivers that hold water all year long, but they also are found in temporary freshwater ponds, which lose their water during the dry season. Some side-necked turtles, including those that are called "mud turtles," spend much of their time in soft-bottomed ponds that are filled with water for only a few weeks every year.
African side-neced turtles are unpopular as pets and as food, but people occasionally eat them. One reason for their lack of popularity is their smell. The musk glands are very powerful weapons against predators, including humans. Pet owners who keep African side-necked turtles often find that they are unfriendly and can be aggressive; they will bite at other turtles in the same aquarium and will nip at humans who put their hands too close.
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Although these side-necked turtles can be quite noticeable in their habitat, scientists know very little about their behavior. The turtles bask, spending warm days sunning themselves near the shoreline. They are especially active during the wet season, when they may roam over land. When the weather turns dry, many side-necked turtles seek shelter underground. Those that live in the cool, mild clim…
Physical characteristics: Adult helmeted turtles have upper shells that reach 13 inches (33 centimeters) in length. The brown to greenish-brown upper shell is fairly flat. The lower shell is usually yellow or cream-colored, sometimes with dark seams or large, dark smudges. The lower neck is also yellow or cream-colored. These turtles have a rather pointed face with a mouth that looks as if it is s…
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User Comments
3 months ago
your dumb AND stupid and wrong about everything you basically said. my african side neck isnt agressive AT ALL!!! i got him in a 70 gallon with 11 clown loacches, a pleco, 2 angels and probly 15 other fish that arent the hugest, or even that big. he doesnt bother anyone or anything, my other turtle wud eat the loaches so i got rid of him. these turtles are all G your a 2% for posting false information
over 1 year ago
emma
i have a african side necked turtle and he is great, i've had him for about 2years now, at first he was very shy but after about 6months he got used to us all, he is not and was never smelly and has never been aggressive to any of us, we always get him out of his tank and watch over him in the back garden and we are always handling him, we love him to pieces, hes been the best pet yet, i would advise anyone thinking about getting a turtle to get one of them!!
almost 2 years ago
ron
no they are gr8 pets. and they do not get to 13 inches long 4 to 6 inches may be SIDENECK TURTLES ARE NOT AGGRESIVE
about 2 years ago
Chandlar Williams
I TOTALLY DISAGREE AFRICAN-SIDENECK TURTLES ARE NOT AGGRESIVE NOR UNFRIENDLY NOR DO THEY SMELL BAD.TO BE HONEST WITH YOU THESE ARE THE MOST FRIENDLIEST,CALMEST,AND LAIDBACK TURTLES EVER! SO I ADVISE U TO GET SOME OF UR INFORMATION RIGHT BEFORE YOU TRY TO POST IT ON THE WEB OK THANKYOU VERY MUCH):
about 2 years ago
i agree they are not agressive at all, i have had turles most of my lyf and have accually never came across any that are more tame, mine even plays with the cat occasionally, i have a north american slider, a aligator snapper, and a side necked,and the least agressive of them is the side necked, but they all live in somewhat harmony with the snapper as the dominant. so look up more reserch these turtles make excelent pets and they dont smell either.
about 2 years ago
Flyersfan345
Not True. African Side necked turtles are not aggressive or unfriendly. They love people and they are good pets.