This Turtle divided into different breeds, and every single breed will behave differently in terms of their temperament.

There are seven subspecies of A. spinifera ranging from Canada to Mexico and as far west as California.

Spiny softshells also grow to large size as adults, thus consideration of their eventual needs should be taken into account before acquiring one. Their carapace is shiny and they usually have big patterns.

The edges of the carapace are pliable with small spines (males have more than females). They are the largest of the New World softshell turtles with the most Old World characteristics of the Old World, like its longitudinally wrinkled carapace, tolerance for brackish water, and relatively large size. Smooth Soft-shelled Turtles Maintaining good water quality is key to keeping healthy softshell turtles. Spiny Soft-shelled Turtles.

Spiny Soft-shelled Turtles (Apalone spinifera).

They feed readily on fish (avoid carp and catfish), worms, crickets, pink mice, crayfish, and shrimp. Pallid spiny softshell turtles have white tubercles on the back till halfway the upper shell. Behavior

Unlike most other turtles, their shell is soft, flat, and rubbery. Care and Feeding: Spiny Soft-shell Turtles are carnivores.

The spiny softshell turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtle species in North America. They can be distinguished from other turtle species by their carapace. The tubercles shrink in size towards the end and eventually fade away.

Females can grow as large as 24”, while males will be about half the size of females, growing to about 12”.

Care Level: Intermediate; Overview. Unlike in most turtle species, in the spiny softshell the gender of the hatchlings is independent of incubation temperature. The Florida Softshell Turtle is a species of American freshwater turtles, and is one of the 26 species of turtles found in Florida. Spiny Softshell Turtle Care To let this pet survive for a long time with you, it is essential to pay specific attention to spiny softshell turtle care as well. Female Spiny Soft-shell Turtles can grow up to between 12 to 18 3/4" (30 - 48 cm) while males are considerably smaller.

Females lay up to 36 eggs, though the typical clutch size is around 20.

The Florida Softshell Turtle is the biggest of all of the North American Softshell Turtles. The spiny soft-shelled turtles, for instance, have spiny protrusions outside of the shell. The smooth softshell turtle, on the other hand, has no protrusions.

As the name suggests, these turtles have many spiny processes on the anterior of the carapace. The shell of a Florida Softshell Turtle will be smooth, as well as soft … Pallid Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera pallid) This subspecies is found in Louisiana and certain parts of Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. What’s the difference between Florida and Spiny softshell turtles? Meanwhile, Florida softshell turtles are known for being large. Spiny softshells mate in spring, usually in deep water, and nest in June and July in open sandy or gravelly areas close to water.