Snapping Turtles And African Sidenecks: Compatible Tank Mates? (2024)

The African sideneck turtle is a popular pet due to its welcoming face, with big eyes and a fixed smile. They are small aquatic animals that can live for several decades, with a life expectancy of around 25 years in the wild and up to 50 years in captivity. They are known to be social and can get along with other turtles of the same species. However, they are easily stressed and prone to biting and scratching when scared or anxious. On the other hand, snapping turtles have a combative disposition when out of the water and are known for their powerful beak-like jaws. They are not typically kept as pets due to their flexible necks and strong jaws, which make them difficult to handle. While they are not considered aggressive, they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. So, while African sideneck turtles can get along with other turtles, introducing them to snapping turtles may not be advisable due to the territorial nature and powerful jaws of the latter.

African sidenecks are social, but snapping turtles are solitary

African sideneck turtles are social animals that can be socialized through frequent interaction. They might be shy at first, but once comfortable, they are typically inquisitive and active. However, they are easily stressed and should not be handled, especially by small children, due to the risk of infection.

On the other hand, snapping turtles are solitary and spend much of their time in the water. They are rarely observed basking and prefer to remain hidden underwater or buried in sediment. While they are combative on land, they tend to flee and hide when in the water.

The differences in social behaviour between the two species are likely due to their distinct natural habitats and physical characteristics. African sidenecks are tropical animals that require warm water temperatures and a suitable tank environment, including a dry land area for them to climb out and dry off. They are also carnivorous and require a diet of insects, fish, crustaceans, and aquatic turtle pellets.

In contrast, snapping turtles are found in shallow ponds, streams, or brackish environments and are omnivorous scavengers. They are known for their powerful jaws and highly mobile heads and necks, making them formidable predators. While they are not typically aggressive towards humans, they will bite when provoked and should be handled with caution.

Given the contrasting behaviours and requirements of African sidenecks and snapping turtles, it is not advisable to house them together.

African sidenecks can live with other species of turtles, but not with snapping turtles

African sideneck turtles are unique-looking aquatic turtles that are unable to tuck their heads into their shells, instead tucking them to the side. They are social animals and can be kept with other turtles of the same species. However, they should not be kept with snapping turtles.

African sidenecks have specific housing requirements. They need a large tank, ideally 75 gallons or more, with a significant amount of water. The water level should be high, and they require a dry land area, such as a floating dock or large rocks, to climb out and dry off. A quality water filter is essential, as is a secure mesh lid to keep the turtle safe.

African sidenecks also require a heat lamp to maintain their body temperature, with an ambient temperature of around 80°F and a basking area of around 90°F. UVB lighting is also necessary to aid calcium metabolism. While a substrate is not essential and can make cleaning more difficult, owners may opt for sand, gravel, or other natural materials to mimic the turtle's natural environment.

These turtles are omnivores and will eat plants, insects, fish, crustaceans, and aquatic turtle pellets. They should not be handled, as they are easily stressed and may bite. They can carry salmonella bacteria, so handwashing after handling anything in their environment is essential.

In conclusion, while African sideneck turtles can live with other species of turtles and even larger fish, they should not be housed with snapping turtles. Snapping turtles are large, powerful turtles that can be aggressive if they feel threatened. They have long necks and powerful jaws, which could pose a risk to the smaller African sideneck. Additionally, the housing requirements of the two species differ, with snapping turtles preferring to spend most of their time underwater, while African sidenecks need a dry land area to bask and dry off. Therefore, it is not suitable to house these two species together.

Snapping turtles are aggressive, but African sidenecks are inquisitive

Snapping turtles are known for their aggression and defensive behaviour. They are incredibly docile in the water and will go to great lengths to avoid humans. However, on land, they are slow and cannot outrun predators, so they rely on their large size and scary demeanour to defend themselves. They will not attack or chase you, but they will hold their ground and may attempt to bite if they feel threatened.

African sidenecks, on the other hand, are inquisitive and active turtles. They are known for their long necks, which give them an advantage over other turtles. They can right themselves if they are turned upside down, using their strong neck muscles. While they might be a little shy at first, they become comfortable and curious with frequent interaction.

Both snapping turtles and African sidenecks can make interesting pets, but they have very different personalities and care requirements. Snapping turtles are wild and defensive, while African sidenecks are more inquisitive and curious. It is important to note that neither species should be handled frequently, as they can easily get stressed and may bite.

In terms of care, African sidenecks require a large aquarium or tank, with a dry land area for them to climb out and bask. The water should be dechlorinated, and the temperature should be carefully regulated with a heat lamp and UVB lighting. African sidenecks are omnivores and will eat plants, insects, fish, and food pellets.

Snapping turtles, on the other hand, are wild animals and are not typically kept as pets. They are challenging to handle due to their aggressive nature, and they are best left alone in the wild. If you encounter one, it is important to give it space and avoid provoking it.

Overall, snapping turtles and African sidenecks have very different personalities and care requirements. While snapping turtles are aggressive and defensive, African sidenecks are more inquisitive, curious, and active.

African sidenecks are small, but snapping turtles are large

African sideneck turtles are typically between 7 and 12 inches long, with females being larger than males. Their shell is often dark brown, and their skin ranges from olive to brown with black markings on the top of their head. They have large, round eyes and a mouth that looks like it's fixed into a permanent smile.

In contrast, snapping turtles are significantly larger, weighing between 4.5 and 16 kg (9.9-35.3 lb) on average. They can, however, weigh as much as 39 kg (86 lb) in captivity due to overfeeding. The carapace (upper shell) of a snapping turtle is rugged and muscular, with a ridged pattern that varies in colour from tan, brown, to black. The straight-line carapace length in adulthood is typically between 25 and 47 cm (9.8-18.5 inches), but can reach nearly 50 cm (20 inches) in some cases.

The size difference between the two species is considerable, with snapping turtles being much larger and heavier than African sidenecks. This disparity could pose potential challenges in terms of housing and care if kept together.

Regarding their housing requirements, African sidenecks need a tank that allows them to swim and dive, with a water level at least 1.5 times the length of their shell. For a single turtle, a 40-gallon glass aquarium can suffice, while a group of adults would require an area of 6 feet by 3 feet with 125-175 gallons of water.

On the other hand, snapping turtles prefer permanent bodies of still or slow-moving water, such as wetlands, rivers, lakes, and ponds. They require ample space to move and explore, as they are known to travel extensively over land to find new habitats or lay eggs.

Given the size and weight of snapping turtles, they would need a significantly larger enclosure than African sidenecks, with ample water depth and space to accommodate their natural behaviours, such as burying themselves in sediment or mud.

In terms of diet, both species are omnivores. African sidenecks eat insects, plants, and fish in the wild, while snapping turtles have a more varied diet, including aquatic vegetation, fish, insects, frogs, carrion, and even small mammals.

The size difference between the two species also extends to their dietary requirements, with snapping turtles needing larger quantities of food to meet their nutritional needs.

While it is not recommended to house these two species together due to their significant size difference, it is important to provide adequate space and resources for each, should they be kept separately. The larger size and weight of snapping turtles must be considered when designing their enclosure, with ample space to accommodate their natural behaviours and a diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Snapping turtles are wild, but African sidenecks can be domesticated

The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a species of large freshwater turtle native to North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the edge of the Rocky Mountains. They are known for their combative disposition when out of the water, possessing powerful beak-like jaws and highly mobile head and neck movements. In contrast, the African sideneck turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), also known as the African helmeted turtle, is a unique-looking aquatic turtle found in West Africa. While snapping turtles are typically wild and aggressive, African sidenecks can be kept as pets and are suitable for beginners with the right care.

African sideneck turtles stand out due to their inability to fully retract their heads into their shells, instead tucking them to the side. This trait gives them their distinctive name. They are larger than most turtles, growing up to 7-12 inches long, and can live for several decades in captivity. Their shells are typically dark-coloured, and they have olive to brown skin with black markings on their heads. With their large, round eyes and perpetually smiling mouths, they are often considered cute.

African sidenecks are social creatures that can be interactive pets. While they may be shy at first, they become inquisitive and active once comfortable. However, it is important to note that they are not meant for handling due to their stress sensitivity and potential to carry salmonella bacteria. They are best kept in large aquariums with water for swimming and diving, and they require supplemental heat and UVB lighting to maintain their health.

In the wild, snapping turtles inhabit shallow ponds, streams, and brackish environments, and they are known to travel extensively over land to reach new habitats or lay eggs. They are omnivores and act as important aquatic scavengers, consuming a variety of plants, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. Similarly, African sidenecks are omnivores, feeding on plants, insects, fish, crustaceans, and turtle pellets in captivity.

While snapping turtles are wild and aggressive, African sidenecks can make interesting and engaging pets for those willing to provide the necessary care and attention.

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