Pelomedusa subrufa

Pelomedusa subrufa

Scientific name	Pelomedusa subrufa
Descriptor	BONNATERRE
Year of description	1789
IUCN category (World)	NE
Family	Pelomedusidae
Genus	Pelomedusa

Introduction

Pelomedusa subrufa is a fresh water reptile from the Africa.

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Who is it?

Morphology

Type

Turtle
Size

26 - 32 cm
Mimicry

plants
Longevity

20 year

Type

Turtle
Size

26 - 32 cm
Mimicry

plants
Longevity

20 year

How to recognize Pelomedusa subrufa ?

Pelomedusa subrufa measures between 26 and 32 cm. This reptile is unicolore with a predominantly marron body.

Behaviour & Life cycle

Sociability

living as a couple or alone
Way of living

diurnal
Venomous

No
Diet

not specified

Pelomedusa subrufa is a reptile living as a couple or alone naturally found in the vegetation. This species is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency .

Pelomedusa subrufa is a territorial animal that does not tolerate any incursions into its living area. It is particularly virulent against other territorial species and it can provoke heated fights. Relationships between conspecifics are also hectic, with each seeking to secure its place. In a constant quest for dominance, the dominant males of this species cannot stand each other. The battle between two individuals can be intense and violent. It will result in the submission and sometimes even death of one of the protagonists.

Reproduction

Reproduction

ovipare qui enfouit ses œufs
Clutch size

30 - 42 eggs

Pelomedusa subrufa is a reptile ovipare qui enfouit ses œufs.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Origin

Africa

Countries

South Africa Mozambique

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : NE

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

Temperature

26 - 29 °C
Flow

Slow and Stagnant

Biotope presentation

The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".

Pelomedusa subrufa is most often found at a depth between 0m and 1m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths. This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Adrien Falzon

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Bibliographic references

Food Habits of a Pelomedusid Turtle, Pelomedusa subrufa, in Tropical Africa (Nigeria): The Effects of Sex, Body Size, Season, and Site - Luca Luiselli - Godfrey C. Akani - Nwabueze Ebere - Lorenzo Rugiero - Leonardo Vignoli - Francesco M. Angelici - Edem A. Eniang - Mathias Behangana - Chelonian Conservation and Biology - 2011.

Analyse de la parade de Pelomedusa subrufa subrufa (LACEPEDE) - Vincent Bels - Amphibia-Reptilia - 1983.

Topographical and Morphological Studies on the African Helmeted Turtle (African Side-Necked T-urtles - Pelomedusa Subrufa) with Special Reference to its Coelomic Cavity - Yara S.abouelela - reem r.T. - Open access - 2020.