Softshell Turtle Ownership: Cost And Care

Softshell turtles are fascinating creatures that belong to the family Trionychidae, known for their lack of hard shells. Instead, they have leathery skin, giving them their name. These turtles are among the largest freshwater turtles globally, and their price varies depending on the species and the morph. The average price range for softshell turtles as pets is between $30 and $150. The Florida softshell turtle, one of the more popular species, costs between $15 and $40. The spiny softshell turtle, another popular choice, falls within the $50 to $150 range. These prices are influenced by factors such as availability, size, and demand.

The average price of a softshell turtle ranges from $15 to $150

The price of a softshell turtle varies depending on the species and the seller. On average, softshell turtles range in price from $15 to $150.

The Florida softshell turtle, for instance, is priced between $15 and $40. This species is one of the more common softshell turtles and is native to Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.

The spiny softshell turtle and the smooth softshell turtle, on the other hand, are priced between $50 and $150. These species are smaller than the Florida softshell turtle, making them more manageable as pets. They can be kept in a large aquarium with a capacity of 75 to 100 gallons.

The Chinese softshell turtle is another popular option, with prices ranging from $30 to $100. This species is sought-after in the pet trade, particularly the albino variety.

It is important to note that softshell turtles are not as popular as other pet turtles, such as sliders or cooters. They are also more complex to care for, making them better suited for experienced owners.

The spiny softshell turtle is one of the largest species in North America

Softshell turtles are among the largest freshwater turtles in the world. The price of softshell turtles varies depending on the species and the morph, ranging from $30 to $150. The spiny softshell turtle, one of the largest species in North America, falls within this price range, costing between $50 and $150.

The spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) is a species of softshell turtle native to North America. It is characterised by its soft, flat, rubbery shell, which is covered in leathery skin instead of bony plates. The edges of the carapace are flexible and adorned with small spines, with males typically having more spines than females. The carapace length ranges from 18 to 54 cm (7.1–21.3 in), with females attaining larger sizes than males. The turtle's nose is long and pig-like, and its feet are fully webbed, with three claws on each foot.

The spiny softshell turtle inhabits a wide range of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams, with a preference for sandy environments. They are well-adapted to urban environments and periodic habitat disturbances. These turtles are generalists, able to survive in a variety of conditions, and can be found in areas with varying levels of vegetation. They prefer to inhabit waters with higher visibility and slower water velocity, and often migrate between zones during different seasons.

Spiny softshell turtles are long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 50 years in the wild. They feed on a variety of prey, including invertebrates such as crayfish and aquatic insects, fish, algae, plant material, and mussels. They are skilled at ambushing their prey, burying themselves in the sand or mud and waiting for unsuspecting animals to pass by.

This species is not listed as threatened in the United States, but local populations face various threats, including habitat destruction, chemical pollution, and human disturbances during their nesting and basking periods. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their nesting sites and reduce the impact of human activities on their populations.

Softshell turtles are native to parts of Africa, Asia and North America

Softshell turtles are characterised by their flattened, leathery shells, long necks, and streamlined heads with elongated, snorkel-like noses. They are mainly carnivorous and are known for their aggressive hunting techniques. They are also agile swimmers, propelled by their webbed feet.

The softshell turtle species falls into the family Trionychidae and is divided into two evolutionary groups: the subfamily Cyclanorbinae and the subfamily Trionychinae. The former is native to southern Asia, northeastern Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa, while the latter is native to southeastern North America, southern Asia, and Africa.

The Cyclanorbinae subfamily consists of two African genera: Cyclanorbis and Cycloderma, and a single genus of Indian and Burmese flap-shelled turtles, Lissemys. The Trionychinae subfamily, on the other hand, is more biologically diverse. It includes the three species of North American softshells (Apalone), which are the Florida softshell turtle, the spiny softshell turtle, and the smooth softshell turtle.

The spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera), also known as the eastern spiny softshell, is native to Vermont, the US, and Quebec, Canada. It is distinguished by its pointed snout and leathery shell, which has a rough texture due to small sharp projections. The spiny softshell can live for more than 50 years, with females reaching up to 21 inches in shell length and weighing up to 25 pounds.

The Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox), native to Florida and the southern parts of Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, has the darkest carapace among the softshell species in Florida and a whitish cream plastron. It is one of the most common softshell turtles and is quite popular as a pet.

Softshell turtles are susceptible to skin lacerations and infections

To prevent skin lacerations, it is important to provide a suitable environment for softshell turtles. Their enclosures should be free of any sharp objects or rough surfaces that could potentially cause scratches or cuts. The substrate should be soft and free of rocks or pebbles, as these can easily damage the turtle's soft shell. River sand is recommended, as it allows the turtle to bury itself completely.

In addition to a well-prepared enclosure, proper husbandry practices are essential for preventing infections. Softshell turtles require basking areas to regulate their body temperature and dry their shells. The ambient temperature of the enclosure should be maintained between 75 to 80°F (23.9 to 26.7°C), with a basking area temperature of 90°F (32.2°C). UVA/UVB lighting is also necessary for the turtle's health, and natural sunlight is ideal. If kept indoors, artificial UVB lighting should be provided.

A clean and hygienic environment is crucial for preventing infections. Softshell turtles are messy feeders, so a powerful filter and pump are needed to maintain water quality. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the enclosure, including the removal of faeces, are important to prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause infections.

Signs of a skin or shell infection in softshell turtles include infected cuts, discolouration of the shell or skin, swollen or closed eyes, loss of appetite, unresponsiveness to light, swollen limbs, wheezing or difficulty breathing, and runny eyes and noses. If any of these symptoms are observed, it is important to seek veterinary care. Minor infections can be treated with topical antibiotic ointments, while more severe cases may require oral or injectable antibiotics and, in some instances, surgery.

Overall, softshell turtles require careful husbandry and a well-maintained environment to reduce their susceptibility to skin lacerations and infections. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial to prevent permanent damage or the spread of infection, which can be life-threatening.

They are eaten as a delicacy in East Asia

Softshell turtles are part of the Trionychidae family, which was erected by Leopold Fitzinger in 1826. They are called "softshell" because their carapaces lack horny scutes (scales). The carapace is leathery and pliable, particularly at the sides. The central part of the carapace has a layer of solid bone, but this is absent at the outer edges. The light and flexible shell of these turtles allows them to move more easily in open water or in muddy lake bottoms.

Softshell turtles are eaten as a delicacy in East Asia. A Chinese dish stews them with chicken. According to a 1930 report, Guangdong restaurants imported them in large numbers from Guangxi; "eaten stewed with almonds, roast with chili sauce or fried with bamboo shoots, they [were] considered a great delicacy." The worldwide commonly consumed softshell species is the Chinese softshell, Pelodiscus sinensis. In Japan, it may be stewed with hōtō noodles and served as a winter delicacy. In a 1904 report, a Japanese biologist pointed out that this variety of softshell turtle occupied a place in Japanese cuisine comparable to the diamondback terrapin in the United States or the green turtle in England.

In the United States, harvesting softshells was, until recently, legal in Florida. However, environmental groups have been advocating for the authorities to ban or restrict the practice. In response, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission introduced a daily limit of 20 turtles for licensed harvesters. While some of the catch was consumed locally, most was exported; the Commission estimated that around 3,000 pounds of softshell turtles were exported to China each week via Tampa International Airport.

The Chinese softshell turtle is vulnerable, threatened by disease, habitat loss, and collection for food such as turtle soup. Additionally, millions are now farmed, especially in China, to support the food industry, and it is the world's most economically important turtle.

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