About Pelusios sinuatus (Smith, 1838)
Genus Size Status
Pelusios sinuatus is the largest species in the genus Pelusios.
Carapace Size & Sexual Dimorphism
It reaches a maximum straight carapace length of 55 cm (22 in), with females growing larger than males.
Sex Identification Trait
Males can also be told apart from females by their slightly longer tails.
Geographic Distribution
This species occurs naturally in Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Preferred Habitat Type
Its preferred natural habitats are tropical lakes and rivers.
Basking Behavior
In these habitats, it can often be seen basking on logs, rocks, mud banks, and even on the backs of sleeping hippopotami.
