Aquatic turtles are enjoyable to observe, particularly the distinctive African sideneck turtle. They earned their name because they cannot fully retract their heads into their shells and instead tuck them to the side. Sidenecks are relatively large turtles, capable of living for several decades. Their shell is typically dark brown, with skin ranging from olive to brown, featuring black markings on the top of their head. They possess large, round eyes and a mouth that appears to be in a permanent smile.