Apalone spinifera (Spiny softshell turtle)

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Home > Turtle Database > Apalone spinifera (Spiny softshell turtle)

Apalone spinifera, commonly known as the spiny softshell turtle, is a unique species of softshell turtle that is notable for its leathery carapace and spiny projections along the front edge. This turtle is adapted to a life predominantly in water, displaying a streamlined body for efficient swimming.

Other related species

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Scientific Classification

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

Common Names

  • Spiny softshell turtle
  • Softshell turtle

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Identification

Description

Apalone spinifera has a flat, round body with a flexible, leathery shell lacking bony plates. The coloration typically ranges from olive to tan with dark spots, and the skin is smooth with small spiny projections along the anterior edge of the carapace.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females are significantly larger than males, with some reaching up to 18 inches in shell length, whereas males typically do not exceed 9 inches.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

This species is widely distributed across North America, from Canada to Mexico, primarily inhabiting the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

Preferred Habitat

Spiny softshell turtles prefer large rivers with sandy or muddy bottoms where they can easily bury themselves. They also inhabit lakes, ponds, and streams with slow-moving currents.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

They are predominantly carnivorous, feeding on fish, insects, crustaceans, and occasionally plant material.

Predators

Common predators include raccoons, birds of prey, and large fish, which primarily target juveniles and eggs.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

The breeding season occurs in the spring, with egg-laying taking place in early summer.

Reproductive Method

Females lay between 4 to 38 eggs in sandy banks, and the eggs hatch after about 60-80 days, depending on temperature.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though populations are decreasing in specific areas.

Threats

Habitat destruction, pollution, and human disturbance are primary threats.

Conservation Measures

Measures include habitat protection, pollution control, and specific legal protections in various states.

Economic Importance

Spiny softshell turtles are sometimes harvested for their meat and are occasionally sold in the pet trade.

Interesting Facts

  • They can breathe underwater through specialized processes in their cloaca, allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods.
  • The spiny projections on their shells help deter predators and aid in camouflage.

Research Studies

For more in-depth information, consider reading this research paper on their ecological habits: Diet and Habitat Preferences in Apalone spinifera. Note that this link is illustrative and not an actual source.

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.