Spiny Softshell Turtle
ExploreReptiles
Spiny Softshell Turtle
Apalone spinifera
The Spiny Softshell Turtle has a flat, soft shell that helps it swim easily in the water. They are great at hiding in the sand or mud at the bottom of rivers!
Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and ponds
Appearance
The Spiny Softshell Turtle has a unique flat, leathery shell that is olive to brown, often with dark spots, and lacks typical hard plates. It features small spiny projections near its head and a long, pig-like snorkel snout, making it visually distinct.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyTrionychidaeGenusApalone
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
2
Interesting facts
Their flat, leathery shell feels like tough skin, not hard bone!
Their unique spotted patterns beautifully change as they grow older.
These turtles are super fast, darting through water like a torpedo!
They often bury themselves completely in sand or mud, disappearing!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Breather
Spiny Softshell Turtle can stay underwater longer as special throat linings absorb oxygen directly from the water.
Ability
Snorkel Nose
Spiny Softshell Turtle has a long snout it uses like a snorkel, letting it breathe air while hidden underwater.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 13-46 cm
- Weight
- 0.2-4.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 20-50 years
- Swim Speed
- 15 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 4-32
- Incubation
- 60-90 days
- Maximum Depth
- 2 m
Diet & Feeding
These turtles are fierce hunters, eating fish, insects, and other small aquatic animals.
Age differences: Young turtles eat mostly insects, while adults hunt larger prey like fish and crayfish.
Primary Foods
- Fish
- Crayfish
- Aquatic insects
- Tadpoles
- Snails
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons frequently raid their nests for eggs.
hunts
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Actively hunts and preys on small fish, including bass.
hunts
Northern Crayfish
Orconectes virilis
Feeds on crayfish, catching them with quick movements.
hunts
Green Darner
Anax junius
Eats aquatic insect larvae, like dragonfly nymphs.
Traits
Webbed Feet
Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Thermoregulating
Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Armored
Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Also known as
Eastern Softshell TurtleWestern Softshell Turtle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Spiny Softshell Turtle?
13-46 cm
How much does Spiny Softshell Turtle weigh?
0.2-4.5 kg
How long does Spiny Softshell Turtle live?
20-50 years
What does Spiny Softshell Turtle eat?
These turtles are fierce hunters, eating fish, insects, and other small aquatic animals.
How fast can Spiny Softshell Turtle swim?
15 km/h
Where is Spiny Softshell Turtle usually found?
Rivers, lakes, and ponds
How does Spiny Softshell Turtle hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Spiny Softshell Turtle lay?
4-32
Snap Map
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