The East African black mud turtle has a smooth, domed carapace with a length of 5.1-7.9 in.

Two subspecies are recognized:[5] The species occurs in much of eastern and southeastern tropical and subtropical Africa, with a southern limit in Zimbabwe, and including Madagascar and the Seychelles (P. s. parietalis in the latter location).

Nonindigenous populations exist on Mauritius Island, Guadeloupe, Glorieuses Îsles, and Diego Garcia.

[7] The East African black mud turtle is omnivorous and takes fish, invertebrates, and plants.

Although the East Africa black mud turtle can be seen basking throughout the day, they are more active at night and are considered to be nocturnal.

They will attack and kill birds, mice, insects and nearly anything else they can get a hold of so if you house them outdoors screening over their habitat is a good consideration.