Spiny Softshell Turtle

SpinySoftshellTurtle

Spiny Softshell Turtle

Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera
(Formerly: Trionyx spiniferus)
Family: Trionychidae
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Description & Size


  • Soft, leathery upper and lower shell (carapace and plastron)
  • Front of the carapace is covered with rough spiny projections
  • Very long neck when fully extended
  • Spiny projections from inside the nostrils
  • Shell length: 12.5-53.3 cm (4.9-21.0 in)
  • Carapace color: olive green to light brown
  • Plastron color: white or grey
  • Skin color: have light stripes and dark blotches
  • Females: much larger than males

Habitat


  • Lakes (small and large)
  • Rivers (small and large)
  • Marshes

Diet


  • Carnivorous
  • Invertebrates
  • Fish
  • Amphibians
  • Occasionally scavenge

Life History


  • Diurnal
  • Active season: April – October
  • Breeding season: April – June
  • Lays eggs
  • 1-2 clutches of 3-39 eggs per female
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