The name Rhinoclemmys is derived from the Greek words rhinos (nose, snout, bill, bill) and klemmys (Turtle, Turtle). The name alludes to the protruding snout that some individuals of the type species have..

The Spot-legged wood turtle (Rhinoclemmys punctularia) It is distributed in eastern Colombia., Venezuela, Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, NE of Brazil (Tocantins, For, amazon, Bay, maranhão, to the lower course of the Tapajós River, Rio de Janeiro)

The shell is dark brown to black.. Limbs are orange-yellow with scattered black spots. The male is slightly smaller than the female and has a longer, slightly concave plastron and thicker tail.. Middle dorsal keel. red head pattern, yellow or green formed by two longitudinal or horseshoe-shaped stripes. Heavily webbed feet.

It is a semi-aquatic species. Lives most of the time in swamps, coastal streams and marshes. In Brazil it lives along the coast of Pará and in open areas along the Amazon River to the lower Tapajós.. Avoid high salinity and strong currents.

Omnivores, seek both animal and plant foods. Foraging and feeding can occur both in water and on dry land.

while they feed, they bite into their food using their front limbs not only to pull and break larger amounts of food, but also to maneuver the food in their mouths.

They lay an average of two very large brittle-shelled elongated eggs. They make several layings in a season. The incubation period can last up to three months.. Sex is determined by temperature. The eggs are covered with leaf litter or hidden among vegetation and roots..

Mainly active at night, but is known to bask and be active during the day.

This species is consumed only locally, but there is evidence that it is widely consumed or kept as a pet and sold on the black market.

It was classified in 2012 like least concern in the new Scientific Assessment of the Risk of Extinction of the Brazilian Fauna. To date, it has not been necessary to create any conservation program for this species.

It is a rarely imported species., so there is not much information about their care in captivity.

For proper maintenance and care of the Spot-legged wood turtle, an aquarium with an integrated terrestrial part or an aquaterrarium is recommended. The aquarium must have a rim length of at least 150 cm.. The substrate of the aquatic part must be designed as a tropical forest. The lush plantation, foliage and humus can serve you.

The Spot-legged wood turtle It is native to tropical regions.. So, it is mandatory to have a heated aquarium. Reptiles prefer a water temperature between 25 and 30 degrees centigrade with a pH value between 6,0 and 8,0. It is advisable to install a UV lamp so that the turtles sunbathe.

Under no circumstances will we let these turtles hibernate. If temperatures drop below 20ºC, may start to show symptoms of breathing problems.

The price of a "Spot-legged wood turtle" at the exotic animal market, ranges between 90 – 120 EUR.
Imported animals must be kept in quarantine, and be dewormed.

1. Spot-legged wood turtle, Painted wood turtle (English).
2. Tortue spot-jambes, Tortue ponctulaire (French).
3. Guyana-Erdschildkröte (German).
4. Aperema, Tartaruga-de-patas-malhadas (Portuguese).
5. "Tortuga de patas moteadas", Tortuga Cabeza pintada Guayana, Tortuga de Patas Punteadas, Morrocoy negro (español).

The Chinese stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis) found in the southern coastal provinces of China, north and central vietnam, Laos and Taiwan.

The Chinese stripe-necked turtle can reach the 25 cm., for an average of 20 to 22 cm..
The dorsal plate has 3 carinas (1 spinal and 2 side) which are highly visible in young turtles, and fade as the tortoise grows

The back of juveniles is lighter (greenish to light brown, with yellow-orange sprays) than that of adults (Brown very dark). Vertebral scales are wider in front than behind. The 5th vertebral scale is wider than it is long..

The plastron is yellow-orange, with extensive dark spots on each scale.
Compared to other species of aquatic turtles, the tail of the Chinese stripe-necked turtle it is quite long in both males and females.

The head, legs and tail are olive green to gray (more or less dark), with fine light stripes (pale yellow to pale green), which gives it the common name "striped-necked turtle". The bottom of the head is lighter (yellow).
The iris is cream to pale yellow., with a dark spot.

The plastron of the male is concave and the tail is longer and thicker than that of the female.. The cloaca is located closer to the tip of the tail., while in females it is found on the supracaudal scales. Males are also smaller than females..

This species lives in swamps, muddy canals, slow flowing freshwater streams, ponds, swamps, shallow lakes and muddy ponds. It especially likes bodies of water with lots of vegetation.

To the Chinese stripe-necked turtle he likes sunbathing. It is quite a resistant species., peaceful and good swimmer. No hibernation.

Mating takes place mainly in spring. Egg laying takes place just over two months after (about ten eggs on average). The eggs are elliptical in shape and measure 25 x 40 mm. The incubation period can vary from 60 to 150 days.

Newborns measure between 30 and 35 mm.

In the wild, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle feeds both in water and on land: plants and various aquatic plants in large quantities, as well as worms, snails, fish, insects, mollusks, carrion, small crustaceans in smaller quantities. Males and young animals are more likely to feed on meat, while females and older animals are mainly herbivores.

State of conservation ⓘ
Critical danger ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

The UICN considers that this species is in danger of extinction in its natural environment (catch for human consumption, urbanization, pollution, etc.).

For one Chinese stripe-necked turtle adult, the aquarium should have a length of at least 120 cm. – 150 cm., since females can grow more than 25 cm.. Of course, juveniles can be kept in smaller tanks and should be if possible. They are relatively good swimmers, but they need many opportunities to climb (plants, estate, stones). The water level should be at least twice the length of the shell.

Even with a water level of 80 cm., the Chinese stripe-necked turtle has no problems and is even more active with a higher water level.

Like all other species of aquatic turtles, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle need clean water. Be prepared to change the water every few days or rely on large external filters (for a 200L aquarium, choose an external filter for a 360L aquarium). We have had the best experience with EHEIM external filters. However, It is advisable to carry out a water change of at least 50% every few weeks.

Sand can be used as a substrate, wash or engrave. If sand is provided, turtles often burrow into it. So, we mainly use sand as a substrate.

To get warm temperatures, the aquarium should also have a heating rod.
In the very hot summer months, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle can be kept in the pond, as long as there are enough plants and other climbing possibilities there too.

Dry ground is absolutely necessary for these sun-loving tortoises. A metal halide lamp (HQI) should also shine above it. In this way, the required ground temperature can be reached without problems, of 40 to 45 °C. As in all species, the female also needs a place to lay her eggs.

The water temperature should be 25-28°C in summer and 20-24°C in spring and autumn. Instead of hibernating, this species goes through the phase of reduced activity, with water at 15°C.
The HQI lamp only shines 6 hours in winter, 8-10 hours in spring and autumn and at least 12 hours in summer.

Keeping them in a group is difficult and only works with females, if it does. But even in this case, individual conservation is always preferable. Males are usually very biting and aggressive as adults..

This species of turtle tends to eat meaty foods, but must have plenty of aquatic plants available. Plant food includes various aquatic plants, like duckweed, mussel flower, duckweed and many more, but also carrots. Fleshy food can consist of live food (worm, mealybugs), but also in frozen food (mosquito larvae, mussel meat, prawns, etc.). Turtle pellets or dry food should only be given occasionally.

They can be found in pet stores and some breeders.. The price of the "Chinese stripe-necked turtle" ranges between 30 – 50 EUR.

1. Chinese stripe-necked turtle, Golden thread turtle (English).
2. Emyde à cou rayé, Emyde de Chine (French).
3. Chinesische Streifenschildkröte, Bunte Streifenschildkröte (German).
4. Tartaruga chinesa de pescoço listrado, Tartaruga de fio dourado (Portuguese).
5. Tortuga de hilo dorado, Tortuga de cuello rayado, Tortuga ocadia (español).

The call Seychelles black terrapin, Seychelles mud turtle or Seychelles aquatic turtle was considered a species of turtle (Pelusios seychellensis) family Pelomedusidae, endemic to Seychelles.

But, genetic analysis of the lectotype has shown that this turtle was never a separate species and, in fact, It Pelusios castaneus.

The West African mud turtle (Pelusios castaneus) it is one of the most widespread turtle species in Africa. It is present practically throughout the Atlantic coast of the black continent: from southern Mauritania, Senegal, passing through Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon and as far north-west of the Central African Republic. It also, looking south from Cameroon, the species colonizes an area of Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo and reaches the northernmost part of Angola.

The species is also found in São Tomé, an island off Gabon. There is a human population in the Caribbean, on the island of Guadeloupe, where it probably comes from the slaves who carried the animals as live food (the turtle is still eaten today, it will be discussed later). There is also said to be a feral population in Florida., these animals would have been abandoned by an animal trader.

Large turtle, rather flat, with oval and elongated dorsal carapace, which has the largest width in the back area. Adults have a slightly separated vertebra at the front and a slightly separated vertebra toward the rear. Both vertebrae are wider than they are long.

The margin of the shell is smooth and not sawn. The dorsal carapace is mostly dark brown to black. The ventral shell forms a closed solid plate and is slightly narrower in the posterior region than in the anterior region.. The background color of the plastron is yellow in the center with a brown-black tint towards the edges. The skin is light gray to beige.

The head is mottled with a distinctive pattern, characteristic of each individual, as a fingerprint. On the chin there is 2 short, closed beards. The front legs also have scales and all the feet have strong claws..

Males have a shell length of about 20 cm.. Females can reach up to 38 cm of shell length, but they are usually much smaller (~ 25 cm of shell length). In addition to the usual elongated tail, the most conspicuous secondary sexual characteristic of males is a distinctly concave plastron.

The West African mud turtle it is extremely adaptable and can be found in all types of waters. Pools, ponds, lakes, rivers… is at home everywhere. In much of its range, living waters dry up during 6-7 months per year, time that the P. castaneus passes buried in the substrate. But, there are also rainforest species that have water all year round.

The West African mud turtle nor is it very demanding in terms of food. Feeds on insects, snails, carrion, small fish, amphibians and, occasionally, fruits and seeds. The species is also very fertile. Large females can easily produce two clutches a year with up to 18 eggs.

The West African mud turtle It is carnivorous and feeds on aquatic prey.. The feeding consists of five phases: preliminary fixation of the head on the dam, the adjustment of the head fixation, the final approach of the head, prey grip followed by handling and transport, and suction, which results in the ingestion after which the prey is swallowed. The final phase varies depending on whether the prey is fast, like a fish, or slow, as a gastropod mollusk.

State of conservation ⓘ
Minor Concern ⓘ (UICN)ⓘ

Unfortunately, today one can hardly talk about turtles without talking about the threatened situation of the species. Given its huge distribution area and its great adaptability, the West African mud turtle shouldn't be endangered. But, natural populations in most of its range have not been studied scientifically. Hardly any funds are allocated to field research, so hardly anything is known about the evolution of the population.

Scientists from Nigeria follow a very interesting approach: They regularly visit markets where “bush meat” is offered for consumption.. This includes, of course, these species of turtles. Unfortunately, during these visits it was necessary to verify that the populations of turtles of the genus Kinixys are in clear decline. But, the West African mud turtle not yet considered endangered and not subject to international trade restrictions.

Due to the climatic conditions of the country of origin, the size of the animals (up to a maximum of 38 cm of shell length!) and its activity, the West African mud turtle needs large, air-conditioned aquaterrariums with plenty of space to swim all year round.

The water section for an adult animal must have a minimum size of 150 x 60 cm and a water depth of at least 50 cm.. In addition to the free swimming areas, the water part must be structured with stones, branches and plants to offer animals stimulation and variety.

In addition to a sunny area on land and the mandatory egg-laying area when having females, the facility must also offer shallow water areas. Floating plants on the surface of the water offer protection and invite you to rest on the surface.

Although the West African mud turtle does not sunbathe as extensively as, for example, "North American ornamental turtles", the sunbathing area is frequently visited and used, so it must always be available.

Standard tank technical equipment includes fluorescent daylight tubes, heat radiators over the shallow water/stunning area and, occasionally, on the egg-laying area, external filter, heater, thermometer and timer. As an alternative, instead of daylight fluorescent tubes and heat radiators, powerful HQI radiators can be installed to illuminate a part of the tank and generate sufficient temperatures locally in the sunbathing area.

As for water and air temperatures, you must follow the climatic guidelines in the seasonal change of the country of origin (West Africa). In tropical areas there is also a day/night variation, as well as seasonal differences, although less pronounced than here.
A rough guideline is a water temperature of 25-28° and a local air temperature of up to 40° in the sun. You can get a night setback by turning off the heating at night.

Summer lethargy does not necessarily have to be applied in captivity. But, animals should not be kept at constantly high temperatures throughout the year. For a few weeks, or even months, should simulate colder phases at a water temperature of about 20-24°. Transitions should be gradual and the temperature should be increased or decreased over a few days.

The West African mud turtle does not have high food requirements. Eat anything offered to you as animal feed. The spectrum ranges from dry food (Lundi pellets, colored koi pellets, Sera Raffy P pellets, gammarus and dried fish, brekkies), to fish (various freshwater fish, smelts, pollock, etc.), mussel meat, common earthworm, heart of veal and mice (little mice and jumpers).

In addition to the aquatic plants present in the tank (Juncos, duckweeds, horn, duckweed, water hyacinth, water cabbage), green food is regularly offered (dandelion, Canons, oak leaf lettuce, Cucumber, zucchini and tomatoes).

Like almost all male turtles, the males of the West African mud turtle are always willing to mate, but their courtship behavior is more moderate and less aggressive than that of many other species. However, the sexes must be kept separate for a part of the year for the females to rest.

The courtship exhibition of this species can last several hours. First the male tries head and neck movements to attract attention. If the female is interested and does not avoid it, the male seeks direct body contact, pushing your nose. If the female then indicates that she is willing to mate by brief choppy head movements, the male rides. At no time does it try to bite the female.

Adult females need a place of oviposition of at least 60 x 50 x 50, since they bury their laying of up to 22-32 eggs very deep in the sand.

The West African mud turtle does not hibernate due to the climatic demands of the countries of origin (West Africa). However, day/night latency, as well as seasonal differences, must be simulated with technical aids.

All turtles pelomedus are not internationally protected species, so wild-caught specimens remain regularly available in the reptile trade. Wild catches are often surprisingly hard, weakened by long transport and numerous intermediate stops. If you have the opportunity, do not hesitate to buy european pups. The young are much more stable and less susceptible to diseases.

The price of a "West African mud turtle" at the exotic animal market, bred in captivity, ranges between 25 – 50 EUR.

1. West African mud turtle, West African side-necked turtle or swamp terrapin (English).
2. Péluse de Schweigger (French).
3. Westafrikanische Klappbrust-Pelomedusenschildkröte, Westafrikanische Seitenhalsschildkröte oder Sumpfschildkröte bekannt (German).
4. Tartaruga de lama da África Ocidental, Tartaruga de pescoço lateral da África Ocidental ou pântano (Portuguese).
5. Tortuga del barro de África Occidental, Tortuga de caja africana (español).