The preferred natural habitatsofP. sinuatus are tropical lakes and rivers, where it can often be seen basking on logs, rocks, or mud banks, or even on the backs of sleeping hippopotami.[2]
The largest species in the genusPelusios, P. sinuatus has a straight carapace length of up to 55 cm (22 in). Females are larger than males. Males can also be distinguished by their slightly longer tails.[2]
For defence, the hinged plastronofP. sinuatus closes to protect the head and forelimbs. The serrated hinged terrapin also secretes a foul odour when threatened.[2]
The female serrated hinged terrapin lays seven to 25 eggs, up to 500 m (1,600 ft) from the nearest water, in October to January. Hatchlings appear in March to April.[3]
^Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp., 112 plates. ISBN0-88359-042-5. (Pelusios sinuatus, p. 46 + Plate 11).
^Boulenger GA (1895). "Rettili e Batraci. Esplorazione del Giuba e dei suoi affluenti compiuta dal Cap. V. Bottego durante gli anni 1892–93 sotto gli auspicii della Società Geografica Italiana". Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Genova, Serie Seconda [= Second Series] 15: 9–18. (Sternothaerus bottegi, new species). (in Italian).
Schmidt KP (1919). "Contributions to the Herpetology of the Belgian Congo Based on the Collection of the American Museum Congo Expedition, 1909–1915. Part I. Turtles, Crocodiles, Lizards, and Chameleons". Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History39 (2): 385–624 + Plates VII–XXXII. (Pelusios sinuatus, new combination, p. 401).
Smith A (1838). Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa; Consisting Chiefly of Figures and Descriptions of the Objects of Natural History Collected during an Expedition into the Interior of South Africa, in the Years 1834, 1835, and 1836; Fitted out by "The Cape of Good Hope Association for the Exploring Central Africa:" Together with a Summary of African Zoology, and an Inquiry into the Geographical Ranges of Species in that Quarter of the Globe. [Volume III. Reptilia.] London: Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury. (Smith, Elder and Co., printers). 48 Plates + unnumbered pages of text. (Sternotherus sinuatus, new species, Plate I + two unnumbered pages). (in English and Latin).
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