Normally it's smooth. And should it be a little coolerwater seems a little warm, Is he just shedding or is that how his shell normally looks?
Hmm that's odd. He used to be in the water all the time. Now about 25% he is basking. maybe once he moves to pond this summer he will change his behaviorMy old african side necked was virtually 100% aquatic. he very rarely came out of the water so seems odd to me.
Everything seems fine he is eating and swimming. I did increase the basking temps.If the rest of his activities are ok, try making his basking site a bit warmer
Thanks for the input, he has been more active lately, think he can sense the summer season coming, and being more active as part of it?Pelusious are one of most hearty species that I've ever kept. I've had some subspecies that liked to bask daily, and others that never came out. Even different Pelomedusa that I've had over the years have acted differently than another Pelo might have. But the Pelomedusa did seem to bask very little if at all. These are great turtles. They also don't need to sit at 80 to stay healthy. Mid-high 70's has been fine ime. The slightly lower water temp also allows a basking spot to be warmer easier without being too warm. Just my 2 cents. They are great, and easy to keep healthy!