West African mud turtle (Pelusios castaneus)
Turtles & tortoises · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for West African mud turtle (Pelusios castaneus) (origin: West Africa). Adult size around 20–28 cm. Life expectancy 25–40 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
West African mud turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?
150×60 cm aqua-terrarium.
West African mud turtle: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 34 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
West African mud turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 6 %).
West African mud turtle: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 25–40 years.
West African mud turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 34 °C
- Humidity
- Aquatic with a land section
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 6 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 150×60 cm aqua-terrarium
- Substrate
- Water 20–30 cm deep, a sandy bank, a basking spot
Feeding
- Food
- Fish, snails, insects, a little greenery
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–28 cm
- Life expectancy
- 25–40 years
- Origin
- West Africa
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping singly, or a pair if the male can be removed as soon as it harasses the female - a second enclosure should be planned for. Those with more space keep one male with several females, spreading out the courtship pressure. Two males generally do not get along.
Notes
It can close the front part of the shell. Semi-aquatic, and fond of basking. Straightforward, but the males do not get on with each other.
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Related species
- African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa) – Beginner to intermediate
- Argentine snake-necked turtle (Hydromedusa tectifera) – Intermediate
- Eastern long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis) – Intermediate
- Gibba turtle (Mesoclemmys gibba) – Intermediate
- Matamata (Chelus fimbriata) – Expert
- Hilaire's toadhead turtle (Phrynops hilarii) – Intermediate
- Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii) – Intermediate
- Northern snake-necked turtle (Chelodina rugosa) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep West African mud turtle (Pelusios castaneus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×60 cm aqua-terrarium), substrate (Water 20–30 cm deep, a sandy bank, a basking spot), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelusios, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_African_mud_turtle
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).