The Ultimate Size Of African Sideneck Turtles

The African sideneck turtle is a fascinating species native to the lakes, rivers, and ponds of West and Central Africa. These turtles are known for their unique appearance, with a long neck, a dark-coloured shell, and a perpetual grin on their faces. But how big can they grow?

African sideneck turtles can grow to between 7 and 12 inches long

The African sideneck turtle is a semi-aquatic species native to the freshwater bodies of western and central Africa. They are known for their long necks, which they cannot fully retract into their shells. Instead, they tuck their heads to the side, giving them their distinctive name.

In terms of care, these turtles require a large enclosure with access to both land and water. The minimum tank size for a single adult turtle is around 40 gallons, but a larger tank of 75 gallons or more is ideal. The water depth should be no deeper than 1.5 times the length of the turtle, and the temperature should be maintained between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

African sideneck turtles are omnivores, and their diet should include a variety of plant- and animal-based foods. In captivity, it is important to provide a balanced and diverse diet to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients.

With proper care, these turtles can live for several decades. They have a lifespan of 25 to 50 years or more, making them a long-term commitment for pet owners.

They can live for 25 to 50+ years

African sideneck turtles are known for their longevity, with an average lifespan of 25 to 50 years. In some cases, they may even surpass the half-century mark, reaching an impressive 50+ years of age. This means that owning one of these turtles is a significant commitment, as they can be long-term companions for their owners.

The secret to their longevity lies in providing them with proper care, which includes recreating their natural habitat as closely as possible and ensuring they receive a balanced and varied diet. These turtles require specialised care due to their size and specific needs.

In the wild, African sideneck turtles are native to the rivers, lakes, and ponds of West and Central Africa, including countries such as Angola, Guinea, Senegal, and the Congo. They prefer freshwater habitats and are semi-aquatic, spending most of their time in the water. As such, it is crucial that their enclosures provide ample swimming space and clean water to maintain their health.

One of the most important aspects of their care is providing the appropriate lighting and temperature conditions. African sideneck turtles require access to UVB lighting to properly metabolise calcium and maintain their health. Additionally, they need external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature and metabolism. The ideal water temperature for these turtles should be maintained between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the basking area should be warmer, ranging from 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The diet of African sideneck turtles also plays a vital role in their longevity. In the wild, they are omnivores, feeding on insects, plants, and fish. In captivity, it is important to provide a varied diet that includes both plant-based and animal-based foods, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.

By providing African sideneck turtles with the necessary care, owners can ensure that their turtles live long and healthy lives, reaching and even surpassing the average lifespan of their species.

They are semi-aquatic and require a large tank with swimming space

African sideneck turtles are semi-aquatic and require a large tank with swimming space. In the wild, they inhabit freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, marshes, and ponds. They are excellent swimmers and need an enclosure that allows them to move around freely and explore their environment.

The minimum tank size for a single adult African sideneck turtle is typically recommended to be around 40 gallons. However, to provide ample swimming space, a larger tank of 75 gallons or more is ideal. The tank should be filled with water, ideally aiming for half to three-quarters full, to give them sufficient room to swim and dive. The water depth should be no deeper than 1.5 times the length of the turtle itself.

In addition to the water, it is important to provide a dry land area within the enclosure. You can use a floating dock, large rocks, or a simple basking platform to create an accessible space for the turtle to climb out and dry off. This area should be large enough for the turtle to move around and bask in the sun.

Maintaining water quality is crucial for the health of African sideneck turtles. They defecate in the water, so a quality filter is essential to prevent frequent water changes. Canister filters are generally recommended for larger tanks, while submersible filters can be an option for smaller setups. Regular water changes and the use of dechlorinating solutions are also important to keep the water clean and free from harmful chemicals.

African sideneck turtles are active swimmers and require a spacious tank to exhibit their natural behaviours. They are curious and playful creatures, and providing them with a spacious and properly equipped enclosure will ensure they stay healthy and happy in captivity.

They are native to Western and Central Africa

The African sideneck turtle is native to Western and Central Africa. They are predominantly found in the wild across these regions. They are semi-aquatic creatures that inhabit freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, marshes, ponds, and even mud holes. They prefer standing water bodies with muddy bottoms and surrounding vegetation.

In Western Africa, the African sideneck turtle is native to Angola, Guinea, Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Congo. They are also found in Madagascar and Seychelles, which are island nations in the Indian Ocean.

In terms of their natural habitat, African sideneck turtles live in small ponds, streams with slow-moving water, and even small lakes. They prefer clean water that is free of impurities, so it is important to replicate these conditions as closely as possible in captivity.

The African sideneck turtle is an interesting and unique species that makes a great addition to an aquarium. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a long neck, a dark brown shell, and olive to brown skin with black markings on their head. They have large round eyes and an upturned mouth, giving them a perpetual grin.

These turtles are also known for their hardy disposition and can withstand periods of deprivation. They are relatively easy to care for and can make good pets for both beginners and experienced turtle keepers. However, they do require specialized care due to their size and specific needs, such as exposure to UVB lighting and a balanced diet.

Overall, the African sideneck turtle is a fascinating creature that plays an important role in the ecosystems of Western and Central Africa. Their ability to adapt to different environments and their long lifespan make them a resilient and intriguing species.

They are generally low-maintenance and suitable for beginners

African sideneck turtles are generally low-maintenance and suitable for beginners. They are hardy and can withstand periods of deprivation, making them ideal pets for beginners and experienced turtle owners alike.

That said, they do require specialised care and a certain level of commitment. African sidenecks can live for several decades, with some reports suggesting they can live for over 50 years in captivity. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to provide the best care possible for the duration of their long lives.

African sideneck turtles are semi-aquatic and require a large enclosure with access to both land and water. The minimum tank size for a single adult turtle is 40 gallons, but ideally, you should opt for a larger tank of around 75 gallons. The tank should be filled with enough water to allow the turtle to swim and dive, and it should also have a dry land area where the turtle can climb out and bask under a heat lamp.

In terms of diet, African sideneck turtles are omnivores and require a varied diet that includes both plant- and animal-based foods. It is important to feed them a range of different foods to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients.

Lighting is another important consideration for African sideneck turtles. They require exposure to UVB lighting to metabolise calcium properly and avoid metabolic bone diseases. The enclosure should also be heated to maintain an ambient temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a basking area of around 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overall, African sideneck turtles are relatively low-maintenance pets that can be suitable for beginners, as long as owners are prepared to provide the necessary care and commitment to keep their pets healthy and happy.

Frequently asked questions