They are a fairly hardy species and don't grow quite so large and can be maintained in an aquarium. African Sideneck turtle love has 569 members. I use something like this but a bigger one. Also,I would put a thermometer on that basking spot which should be completly out of water. I’m having no luck finding one. These turtles are list as least concern on the IUCN red list since 1996 and they are doing very well in the wild. For more check out the False Map Turtle Care Guide . African Sideneck turtle love has 569 members. after we came home from new years weekend it was pretty cold in the house and found him laid out and stiff on his platform. African Aquatic Sideneck Turtles need many room to swim around, you should only fill half of the tank with water so they can get out of the water in their basking spot and get ventilated. Highly adaptable, they occur in many fresh water habitats such as mud holes, swamps, rivers and ponds. A submersible heater is recommended if the water temps fall below the recommendation. African sideneck turtles do not hibernate seasonally, as some other species do, so they should only be kept outside when the outside temperatures are warm. My African Sideneck Turtle appears ill. Bought African Sideneck showing signs of sickness help! ... Can I have a link for an in the tank basking Area? West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)The West African mud turtle is a medium sized, aquatic turtle found throughout West Africa. For the people who own and love these awesome aquatic turtles! Sections of this page. African side-necks are aquatic turtles, therefore, they need a large fish tank that will hold water. Should I be worried? ... Can I have a link for an in the tank basking Area? The uvb and the heat lamp must be at the same place and over the basking spot, otherwise she is not getting much uvb at all. UVB lighting is needed as well as a heat lamp over the basking spot. African Aquatic Sideneck Turtle Her flesh is swollen, although she is able to move but slowly. There are several species of African sideneck turtles, all of which are native to eastern and southern Africa. While they may not be as long-lived as other turtles, expect them to live to be 33 years. How to Care for an African Side-necked Turtle. Pelusios sp. Highly adaptable, they occur in many fresh water habitats such as mud holes, swamps, rivers and ponds. These active turtles are hardy and curious (and somewhat aggressive). I got her about 5 days ago and she also is eating but later on when I'm gone will spit it back up. Make sure the water in your habitat is AT LEAST 78 Degrees(F). Veterinarian's Assistant: I'm sorry to hear that. West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)The West African mud turtle is a medium sized, aquatic turtle found throughout West Africa. The uvb and the heat lamp must be at the same place and over the basking spot, otherwise she is not getting much uvb at all. I know that it can't be healthy for them to never come out, so if anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it! 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. Depending on your local climate, African sidenecks can be kept indoors or outside. They should not be housed with any other species. Not sure I can do anything else, until I get her to a vet first thing tomorrow. I got both of my african sideneck turtles in December, it's now almost May and they never come out of the water, they're also terrified of me! Turtles require a lot of space. These turtles will kill … Also,I would put a thermometer on that basking spot which should be completly out of water. There are quite a few sub-species of each. The basking area should be 90°F. They have a turtle dock and a basking light! They’re not hugely exploited by humans like many other turtle species, and so the sale of them in the U.S. and the U.K. is currently legal. Jump to. It is almost fully grown, with its shell being just under 6" in length. These turtles … Your turtle should be able to swim and dive in their tank so the larger the tank is the better. 5. African Aquatic Sideneck Turtles can also be placed in ponds were living Koi fish are. Also, African Sidenecks will not eat fruits or vegetables, so make sure you’re feeding them a correct diet. For the people who own and love these awesome aquatic turtles! They should not be housed with any other species. The side-neck turtle needs a 5.0 UVB bulb, as the UVB rays help the turtle use the vitamins and minerals in its food.Helpful Hints African side-neck turtles can be very aggressive. The side-neck turtle needs a 5.0 UVB bulb, as the UVB rays help the turtle use the vitamins and minerals in its food.Helpful Hints African side-neck turtles can be very aggressive.