Native to the freshwater bodies of Africa and parts of the Middle East, this turtle is particularly notable for its distinctive physical features and behaviors that set it apart from more commonly known hard-shelled turtles.
One of the most remarkable characteristics of the African softshell turtle is its shell, which, unlike the hard, bony shells of other turtles, is leathery and flexible. This soft shell is composed of thick, rubbery skin that feels somewhat pliable to the touch. The color of the shell usually blends with the muddy or sandy environments it frequents, typically displaying a range of olive to dark brown hues, often speckled or mottled, which provides excellent camouflage against predators.
Another unique aspect of the African softshell turtle is its body shape. It has a flattened, streamlined profile with a long, pointed snout, which helps it move swiftly in water and burrow easily into the soft riverbeds where it often hides from threats.
Adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, the African softshell turtle has several interesting behaviors. It is an excellent swimmer, using its webbed feet to easily navigate through water. This turtle spends most of its life submerged, coming to the surface primarily to breathe or to bask in the sun on the riverbanks. It is mostly nocturnal, doing much of its hunting and feeding during the night. Its diet is varied, consisting of fish, mollusks, insects, and occasionally vegetation.
A fun fact about this species is its method of breathing. The African softshell turtle can perform a unique form of respiration known as cloacal breathing, which allows it to take in oxygen directly from the water through its cloaca, an opening used for excretion and reproduction. This ability means it can stay underwater for extended periods without coming to the surface for air.
Distribution
Angola
Benin
Cameroon
Chad
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Greece
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Israel
Kenya
Lebanon
Liberia
Mali
Mauritania
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Togo
Turkey
UgandaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
