The specific name, degeni, is in honor of Swiss-born Edward J. E. Degen (1852–1922), who collected natural history specimens in Africa, and later worked as a taxidermist at the British Museum (Natural History).

[3] C. degeni is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

[2] The preferred natural habitats of C. degeni are mesic savanna and freshwater wetlands, at altitudes of 500–2,700 m (1,600–8,900 ft).

[1] It swims well, and during the day it hides in holes in the ground and in vegetation near water.

[1] C. degeni preys upon amphibians and perhaps also upon small fishes.