Pelusios nanus (African Dwarf Mud Turtle)

Conservation Status:
Genus:

Home > Turtle Database > Pelusios nanus (African Dwarf Mud Turtle)

Credit: https://reptilesmagazine.com/keeping-and-breeding-the-african-dwarf-mud-turtle/

The African Dwarf Mud Turtle is one of the smallest turtle species in the world. It stays tiny even as an adult, making it a favorite among turtle keepers who want a small, low-maintenance pet.

Native To These Regions

Angola, Democratic 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 nanus

Common Names

African Dwarf Mud Turtle
Dwarf Sidelneck Turtle

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Identification

Description
This turtle has a dark brown to black carapace that’s smooth and domed. Its plastron is usually lighter and hinged, allowing it to partly close its shell. It has a short, round head with dark eyes and skin ranging from grey to olive brown.

Sexual Dimorphism
Males are usually smaller than females and have longer, thicker tails. Females tend to have shorter tails and broader shells.

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
Found mainly in parts of Central and Southern Africa, including Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Preferred Habitat

They live in slow-moving or still freshwater bodies like ponds, swamps, and marshes. They prefer shallow water with muddy bottoms and lots of hiding spots.

Behavior

Feeding Habits
They are omnivores. Their diet includes insects, worms, small fish, aquatic plants, and sometimes carrion.

Predators
Birds, large fish, and some mammals may prey on them, especially juveniles. Their small size makes them more vulnerable.

Reproduction

Breeding Season
Usually occurs during the rainy season when water levels rise.

Reproductive Method
Females lay small clutches of 1–3 eggs in moist soil near water. Hatchlings are tiny, often under an inch in length.

Conservation

Extinction Status
Listed as Data Deficient.

Threats
Habitat destruction, water pollution, and collection for the pet trade can pose threats.

Conservation Measures
Protected in some parts of its range. Responsible pet trade practices and habitat conservation help support wild populations.

Economic Importance

It is popular in the pet trade due to its small size, calm behavior, and ease of care. There is no major economic role beyond this.

Interesting Facts

This species rarely grows over 4 inches long, even as adults.

Unlike many turtles, they can’t fully retract their heads straight back—because they’re sideneck turtles, they tuck their heads sideways.

They can survive short dry spells by burrowing into mud and slowing their body functions.

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.