Pelusios carinatus (African Keeled Mud Turtle)

Conservation Status:
Genus:

Home > Turtle Database > Pelusios carinatus (African Keeled Mud Turtle)

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Pelusios carinatus is a small freshwater turtle native to Central Africa. It’s known for the raised keel running down its shell, giving it a rugged look. Despite being less popular in the pet trade, it plays a key role in its local ecosystem.

Native To These Regions

Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Zambia

Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelusios
Species: Pelusios carinatus

Common Names

African Keeled Mud Turtle
Keeled Mud Turtle

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Identification

Description
Pelusios carinatus has a dark brown to black carapace with a noticeable central keel. The plastron is hinged, allowing it to close partially for protection. It grows up to 18 cm (around 7 inches). The skin is usually dark with lighter patches on the neck and limbs.

Sexual Dimorphism
Males typically have longer, thicker tails. Females may be slightly larger with a more rounded shell.

Check more turtles from the Pelusios genus

Pelusios williamsi (Williams’ Mud Turtle)

Pelusios upembae (Upemba Mud Turtle)

Pelusios subniger (East African black mud turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range
This turtle is found in the Congo Basin region, including parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries.

Preferred Habitat

It lives in slow-moving or still freshwater bodies like swamps, marshes, small rivers, and forest pools. It prefers muddy bottoms and areas with thick vegetation.

Behavior

Feeding Habits
Pelusios carinatus is an opportunistic feeder. It eats insects, small fish, snails, crustaceans, and aquatic plants.

Predators
Its main predators include birds, larger reptiles, and some mammals. Juveniles are especially vulnerable.

Reproduction

Breeding Season
Breeding typically happens during the rainy season when water levels rise.

Reproductive Method
It lays eggs on land, usually in sandy or muddy areas near water. Females can lay multiple clutches per season, with each clutch containing a few eggs.

Conservation

Extinction Status
Currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Threats
Habitat loss due to deforestation, pollution, and wetland drainage are growing concerns. Local collection for food or trade may also affect populations.

Conservation Measures
No species-specific conservation actions are in place, but it benefits from protected wetland areas in parts of its range.

Economic Importance

It’s not widely traded but may be collected locally for food or traditional uses. Its role in controlling insect and snail populations may benefit local water quality.

Interesting Facts

Pelusios carinatus can close part of its plastron like a box turtle, which is rare among African turtles.
It belongs to the side-necked turtle group, meaning it bends its neck sideways into its shell instead of pulling it straight back.

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.