by Erin Byers

Created on: September 26, 2008

Anyone that has seen a soft shell turtle knows that this is not the stereotypical turtle. Soft shell turtles lack the hard shell that their relatives possess. Hard shells, or carapaces, are covered by hard plates called scutes. Keratin, the same material that is found in human hair and nails, is what these hard plates consist of. Soft shell turtles lack scutes. Instead, their carapace consists of a layer of thick leathery skin.

All soft shell turtles belong to the family Trionychidae. These turtles can be found in streams, lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and even drainage ditches. Some are even known to live in brackish (mixture of fresh and salt) water. Soft shell turtles inhabit these types of environments in North America, Asia, Africa, and the East Indies. For now, we are going to focus on the genus Apalone, which includes all North American species. These species are also known as New World species.

The largest of the Apalone is the Apalone ferox (Florida Soft Shell Turtle), which as adults can reach 25 inches. Males of this species are generally smaller, only averaging 12 inches. Although they are mostly found in Florida, they are also found in South Carolina and Georgia. Like other soft shell turtles, they have a long neck, longish head, and a unique, snorkel-like nose. Adults are usually a brownish green color, sometimes with subtle blotches. Juveniles are more colorful with yellow and orange markings on their head and edge of their carapace. Florida Soft Shell Turtles prefer fresh or brackish bodies of water that have a sandy or muddy bottom. They spend most of their time burrowed in this and will emerge to bask and lay eggs. Like other soft shells, they are carnivorous and eat frogs, fish, crustaceans, insects, and other amphibians.

One of the species of Apalone spinifera (Spiny Soft Shell Turtle) can almost be found anywhere in the U.S. and even southern Canada and northern Mexico. Like other soft shell types, they have been described as having a pancake-like carapace. However, unlike other soft shell turtles, the Spiny Soft Shell Turtle has spiky protrusions covering various parts of their shell, hence their name Spiny. These "spines" locations vary from species to species. Spiny Soft Shell Turtles are probably the most colorful of the New World species, having more yellows, greens, and even white markings!

Apalone mutica (Smooth Soft Shell Turtle) can be found almost anywhere in the central U.S. from New Mexico to Ohio, however, not near as widely distributed as the Spiny Soft Shell. Of the three North American species, these have the smoothest carapaces of all. Their soft shells are round and free of any protrusions. Their carapaces are a grayish or brown with some splotches. Females can grow to be 14 inches; males only grow to be about 7 inches. Like other soft shells, they are fast swimmers due to their webbed feet. Each of their webbed feet has three claws which contributed to the soft shell family name, Trionychidae.

Many pet stores sell these Soft Shell Turtles as pets. Getting educated about keeping these turtles as pets is the first step that one should take. The Florida Soft Shell Turtle, one of the more commonly kept pet, can live up to 30 years in captivity! Consider what your species will require and research the cost. It is also wise to familiarize yourself with common diseases and conditions that can develop. Be sure that there is a veterinarian in your area that specializes in reptiles. As with any pet, owning a Soft Shell Turtle is a lifelong commitment. Being a good owner can bring years or even decades of turtle enjoyment!

Learn more about this author, Erin Byers.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.