soft shells

[kafiltafiisch]

what is the smallest type of soft shell? eastern?


im thinking about possibly getting a turt. after i get a new job

or any suggestions for a freindlly handleable one (i kno softies arent too freindly) but they are awesome

 

[reptech]

spiny i think ??

 

[Noto]

Smooth softshells (Apalone mutica) are the smallest American species; some of the Africans may be smaller. Smooths top out at about 12" CL in females, less for males.

 

[kafiltafiisch]

cool i love softies so much adults spinys and smooths should be housed in a 50 right or should i go for a 75?

 

[coura]

75, bigger allways better for adults

 

[kafiltafiisch]

would a pair of stinks work in a 75 that has a basking area?like slope design?(despite the fact they dont really bask much

 

[Turtle_Mayhem]

I have a smooth one, has barely grown in 6months but is very aggressive it thinks its a snapper!

 

[Vicious_Fish]

would a pair of stinks work in a 75 that has a basking area?like slope design?(despite the fact they dont really bask much

Yes, they would do great in a 75. I keep a pair in a 100 gallon tub. If you make a slope don't use gravel. Use flat rocks instead. It much easier to clean that way.

The smallest N.A Soft Shell species is the Smooth. Females can have SCL of 12"-14" inches while the males get half that size.

 

[coura]

Yes, they would do great in a 75. I keep a pair in a 100 gallon tub. If you make a slope don't use gravel. Use flat rocks instead. It much easier to clean that way.

The smallest N.A Soft Shell species is the Smooth. Females can have SCL of 12"-14" inches while the males get half that size.

 

[Noto]

I agree with Vicious, but I'd also like to add this: Wild stinkpots usually use small emergent branches (2-4" diameter) to bask, and they seem to prefer these in captivity to (as compared to a beach or stone basking spot). It depends on the individual, though; some never bask, some bask nearly as much as emydids.

Neither a 55 or 75 is adequate for softshells long term. They are big active turtles. Think of them like semiaquatic stingrays and you'll do about right.