Tartaruga de Capacete Africana

CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach 20 cm in length

Origin: Sub-Saharan Africa 

Lifespan: Up to 50 years

Natural Habitat: They mainly inhabit still waters such as swamps, marshes, pools and lakes.

The Tartaruga de Capacete Africana is a very energetic aquatic turtle species. Adults reach an intermediate size of 15 to 20cm. It is very active, which makes it fascinating to watch in the aquaterrarium. As it can be somewhat aggressive, avoid housing it with turtles of other species or even with smaller Tartarugas de Capacete Africanas.

Although this is a relatively easy species to keep, you should pay attention to a few aspects and ensure certain conditions, which you will find in the following paragraphs.

Aquarium

Size: Minimum 90x40x30cm / 55 litres for 1 adult

Material: Glass

 - Heating and Lighting

Although mainly aquatic, the Tartaruga de Capacete Africana also likes to venture onto land to bask, dig and hide. A basking area at 28-32ºC should be provided. A 5-7% UVB lamp should also be used to provide the right levels of ultraviolet radiation for this aquatic turtle species. Water temperature should be kept between 24-28ºC with a submersible aquarium heater. 

- Filtration

A filter is needed to keep the water clean, as these animals produce a lot of waste. Use a filter with a low flow rate or one that can be adjusted, as this species prefers calm water.

- Decor

Sand or small stones on the bottom of the aquarium make it easier for the turtles to move around the bottom. Rocks, logs and live/artificial plants can be used to decorate the water section of the terrarium. The dry section should have a loose substrate for digging, decorated with plants, stones and logs to hide among.

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Mainly Carnivorous

- Foods

Staple: The staple diet should be a commercial food formulated specifically for aquatic turtles.

Occasional: Freshwater Fish, Crickets, Roaches, Snails, Mealworms, Waxworms, Calcium Worms, White Meat (Chicken or Turkey)...

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