Apalone ferox (Florida Softshell Turtle)

Conservation Status:
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Apalone ferox, commonly known as the Florida softshell turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to the southeastern United States. Characterized by its flat, leathery shell and snorkel-like snout, this species is a notable member of the North American softshell turtles.

Native To These Regions

Florida (USA), Georgia (USA), South Carolina (USA)

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Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Trionychidae
  • Genus: Apalone
  • Species: A. ferox

Common Names

  • Florida Softshell Turtle

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Identification

  • Description: Apalone ferox has a pancake-flat, leathery shell with a mottled brown or olive color. It has a long, flexible neck and an elongated head with a pointed snout.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Females are significantly larger than males, often reaching up to 24 inches in shell length, whereas males typically remain smaller, around 12 inches.

Check more turtles from the Apalone genus

Apalone spinifera (Spiny softshell turtle)

Apalone mutica (Smooth softshell turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

  • Geographical Range: The Florida softshell turtle is predominantly found throughout Florida and extends its range to parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama.

Preferred Habitat

Apalone ferox prefers still or slow-moving freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, swamps, and rivers with soft, muddy bottoms.

Behavior

  • Feeding Habits: This species is omnivorous, consuming a diet of fish, insects, crustaceans, and occasionally plant material.
  • Predators: Predators include birds of prey, alligators, and raccoons, especially posing threats to eggs and juveniles.

Reproduction

  • Breeding Season: Breeding occurs mostly in the spring.
  • Reproductive Method: Females lay between 10 to 30 eggs in sandy or soft soil near water bodies, and the eggs hatch after about 60-80 days.

Conservation

  • Extinction Status: Currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
  • Threats: Habitat destruction, water pollution, and predation by introduced species.
  • Conservation Measures: Protected habitats and pollution control measures are in place to mitigate threats.

Economic Importance

The Florida softshell turtle is sometimes harvested for the pet trade and, less frequently, for food, although it is not a major economic contributor.

Interesting Facts

  • The Florida softshell turtle can breathe underwater through its cloaca, allowing it to stay submerged for extended periods.
  • Despite their soft shells, these turtles are surprisingly quick on land.

Research Studies

For more detailed scientific insights into Apalone ferox, here is a link to a research paper: Population Structure of the Florida Softshell Turtle, Apalone ferox, in a Protected Ecosystem, Wekiwa Springs State Park, Florida.

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.