Pelusios subniger (East African black mud turtle)
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Pelusios subniger, known as the East African black mud turtle, is a freshwater turtle commonly found in parts of eastern and southern Africa. It’s known for its dark shell and ability to live in a range of aquatic habitats, including seasonal water bodies.
Native To These Regions
Eastern Africa, MadagascarNative Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelusios
Species: P. subniger
Common Names
East African black mud turtle
Black-bellied mud turtle
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Identification
Description
This turtle has a domed, dark brown to black carapace and a lighter plastron. The skin is usually dark gray or brown with lighter patches near the eyes and jaw. It grows up to 7–9 inches in length.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males usually have longer, thicker tails and a more concave plastron than females. Females tend to be slightly larger in overall body size.
Check more turtles from the Pelusios genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
Pelusios subniger is found across eastern and southern Africa, including countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and parts of Madagascar.
Preferred Habitat
This species prefers slow-moving freshwater like swamps, marshes, ponds, and seasonal pools. It’s highly adaptable and can survive in temporary water bodies that dry up during certain times of the year.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It’s omnivorous, eating insects, small fish, crustaceans, and plant material. It forages in the water and mud, often scavenging when needed.
Predators
Common predators include birds like herons, large fish, crocodiles, and humans in some areas.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding usually occurs in the rainy season, which provides access to flooded areas for nesting.
Reproductive Method
The female lays several eggs in a shallow nest near water. After incubating for a few months, the hatchlings emerge and head straight for the water.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Least Concern (IUCN)
Threats
Threats include habitat loss due to agriculture and urban development, water pollution, and collection for the pet trade.
Conservation Measures
Protected in some national parks. Monitoring and habitat preservation efforts are active in a few regions.
Economic Importance
Locally, these turtles may be captured for food or trade. In the pet industry, they are sometimes sold internationally, though they’re less popular than some other species.
Interesting Facts
This turtle is part of the side-necked group, meaning it bends its neck sideways under the shell rather than pulling it straight back.
It can survive long dry periods by burying itself in the mud and entering a state of dormancy.
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.
