Exploring Soft-Shelled Turtles' Unique Habitat

Soft-shelled turtles are native to parts of Africa, Asia, and North America. They are called soft-shelled because their carapaces lack horny scutes (scales), although the spiny softshell does have some scale-like projections. The carapace is leathery and pliable, particularly at the sides. Soft-shelled turtles can be distinguished from other turtles by their soft, flat, rubbery shells. They have long necks and streamlined heads with snorkel-like nostrils. They are rapid swimmers and can move quickly on land. They often lie buried in mud, sand, and shallow water.

Soft-shelled turtles are quick, alert, and graceful swimmers

The flattened shape of their shells is hydrodynamically efficient, allowing them to cut through the water with grace and agility. Soft-shelled turtles are native to parts of Africa, Asia, and North America, and they can be found in rivers, ponds, streams, and lakes with sandy or muddy bottoms and little vegetation. They are often found in highly brackish areas and deep rivers, even in hot, tropical climates.

In the wild, soft-shelled turtles love to bury themselves in the sand and mud, and they are known to be excellent swimmers. They are active swimmers and require a lot of space to move around. They are also known to be aggressive and territorial, so it is best to keep them in a tank by themselves or with minimal company.

When it comes to their swimming abilities, soft-shelled turtles are quick, alert, and graceful. They are well-adapted to their aquatic environments and can move with speed and agility, making them fascinating creatures to observe in their natural habitat or as pets.

They require a soft, sandy substrate and ultra-clean water

Soft-shelled turtles require a soft, sandy substrate and ultra-clean water to replicate their natural habitat. In the wild, soft-shelled turtles spend a lot of time buried in the sandy bottoms of rivers and lakes. They are native to parts of Africa, Asia, and North America, and their natural habitats have sandy or muddy bottoms with relatively little vegetation.

In captivity, soft-shelled turtles require a large tank with a soft, sandy substrate and ultra-clean, oxygenated water. The sand should be free of rocks or any objects that could scratch the turtle's soft shell and cause an infection. The water must be kept very clean, and the tank should be equipped with efficient filtration systems to prevent bacterial and fungal infections.

The substrate should be made of clean, washed river sand, and the water should be free of chlorine, slightly acidic, and oxygenated. The water temperature should be kept between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the air temperature in the room should be slightly warmer, between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to provide a basking area for the turtle, with a temperature between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The basking area should be easily accessible, with a gentle incline, to encourage the turtle to use it. Live plants can also be added to the tank to oxygenate the water and provide scenery for the turtle.

Overall, soft-shelled turtles require a carefully designed and maintained habitat to ensure their health and well-being. Their sensitive shells and susceptibility to infections make it crucial to provide them with a soft, clean, and safe environment.

They are aggressive and territorial

Soft-shelled turtles are aggressive and territorial creatures. They are highly protective of their space and will attack other turtles if housed together. Their sharp claws and strong jaws can cause serious harm to other turtles, humans, and pets such as cats and dogs. Due to their aggressive nature, it is not advisable to keep them as pets in homes with small children.

In the wild, soft-shelled turtles are known to be solitary and territorial. They prefer to keep to themselves and will defend their chosen area from intruders. This behaviour is likely an adaptation to their lack of a hard shell, which makes them more vulnerable to attacks from predators.

Even in captivity, their territorial nature persists. It is recommended to keep only one soft-shelled turtle per tank, as they are prone to attacking and bullying tank mates, especially if the space is not sufficiently large. Overcrowding these turtles can lead to issues, and it is crucial to provide ample space for them to establish their territory and feel secure.

Additionally, their aggressive behaviour is not limited to other turtles. They are known to be territorial towards humans as well. Soft-shelled turtles generally do not enjoy being handled and will not hesitate to attack a person if they feel threatened. Their sharp claws and strong jaws can cause significant injuries.

Given their aggressive and territorial nature, soft-shelled turtles require careful handling and are not suitable for beginners. They demand a specific habitat setup, regular care, and ample space to accommodate their territorial behaviour.

They are carnivorous and eat insects, amphibians, eggs, and fish

Soft-shelled turtles are carnivorous and eat insects, amphibians, eggs, and fish. In the wild, they are known to eat whatever they can find, including dead fish and other corpses in the water. In captivity, they can be fed crickets, worms, small amphibians like frogs, and pinky mice. They can also be fed floating commercial turtle pellets, but it is important to ensure they receive a balanced diet.

Baby softshell turtles require a varied diet that includes natural foods found in the wild or healthy alternatives formulated for their specific needs. They need vitamin A, calcium, and protein to thrive. While turtles can go for extended periods without food, it is important to monitor their eating habits and adjust their diet as needed.

In addition to their diet, soft-shelled turtles require a suitable environment to thrive. They are native to parts of Africa, Asia, and North America and can be found in freshwater habitats such as rivers and lakes. They prefer to bury themselves in sand or mud, so it is important to provide a soft, sandy substrate in their enclosure. They also require ultra-clean water that is free of chlorine, slightly acidic, filtered, and oxygenated. The water temperature should be maintained in the 70s Fahrenheit for hatchlings and the 72-75° F (22-25° C) range for larger specimens.

Overall, soft-shelled turtles have specific dietary and environmental needs that must be met to ensure their health and well-being.

They are native to parts of Africa, Asia, and North America

Soft-shelled turtles are native to diverse regions across the globe, including parts of Africa, Asia, and North America. In Africa, they are found in northeastern and sub-Saharan regions, with two distinct genera, Cyclanorbis and Cycloderma, inhabiting these areas. The Indian and Burman flap-shelled turtles, belonging to the genus Lissemys, are also native to the African continent.

In Asia, soft-shelled turtles are predominantly found in southern regions, with the Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) being native to mainland China and Taiwan. This species has a wide range within China, spanning from Inner Mongolia to Guangxi, including Hong Kong. Additionally, populations of this species have been recorded in other Asian countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The North American softshell turtles, belonging to the genus Apalone, are found in southeastern regions of the continent. This includes three species that are moderately sized compared to their counterparts in other regions.

Overall, soft-shelled turtles occupy a variety of habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and creeks, often with slow-moving currents. They are well-adapted to burying themselves in mud, sand, and shallow water, using their long necks to breathe in a snorkel-like manner. Their flattened shells provide hydrodynamic efficiency, making them rapid swimmers in their aquatic environments.

Frequently asked questions