Pelusios niger (West African Black Mud Turtle)

The Pelusios niger, or West African Black Mud Turtle, is a freshwater turtle known for its dark, almost black shell and secretive nature. It’s one of the lesser-known members of the African mud turtle group but stands out due to its color and adaptability.

Scientific Classification

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

Common Names

West African Black Mud Turtle
Black Mud Turtle

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Identification

Description
This turtle has a dark brown to black carapace, often appearing glossy when wet. The plastron is also dark and slightly hinged, allowing some movement. Its head is small with pale markings and the limbs are gray to black.

Sexual Dimorphism
Males tend to have longer, thicker tails and are slightly smaller than females. Females usually have a broader 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
It is found in West Africa, especially in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and surrounding regions. It’s often recorded in the rainforest and tropical zones of this area.

Preferred Habitat

It lives in slow-moving freshwater bodies like swamps, marshes, small rivers, and ponds. It prefers muddy bottoms and areas with dense vegetation for cover.

Behavior

Feeding Habits
The West African Black Mud Turtle is omnivorous. It eats aquatic insects, snails, worms, small fish, and also some plant material.

Predators
Young turtles are eaten by birds, large fish, and mammals. Adults face fewer predators but can still fall victim to humans and large carnivores.

Reproduction

Breeding Season
Breeding often happens during the rainy season, which varies by location but usually spans from April to September.

Reproductive Method
It lays eggs in moist soil close to water. Females can lay a clutch of 4–10 eggs, and incubation depends on temperature and humidity, lasting around 2 to 3 months.

Conservation

Extinction Status
Currently listed as least concern.

Threats
Main threats include habitat loss, water pollution, and capture for the pet trade.

Conservation Measures
Protected under some regional wildlife laws. More field studies and habitat protection are needed for long-term survival.

Economic Importance

It’s sometimes captured for local food markets or sold in the exotic pet trade. This has limited economic impact but can pressure wild populations.

Interesting Facts

• Unlike most turtles, it retracts its head sideways into its shell.
• It can stay hidden in muddy waters for hours.
• Its dark color helps it absorb more heat in shaded environments.

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.