Softshells of the world.

MatteoTheEnder22

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Introduction
Softshelled turtles are a very facinating group of turtles that have been able to adapt and so far conquer the very planet you call home.Softshells are interesting and different compared to other turtles because of these key factors their leathery shell, their snorkel like nose, and their extremely flighty/aggressive nature ( their like teenagers but with mood swings all the time). In this post I’ll be referring to the majority of the species of softshell and adding some basic care information for the more common species.
 
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MatteoTheEnder22

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North American softshells
There are three major species of softshelled turtles in the americas the spiny softshell, the smooth soft shell, and the florida softshell. They are all in the genus Apalone under the family Trionychidae.
 
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MatteoTheEnder22

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Spiny softshell (A. spinifera)
The spiney softshell turtle is a large species of softshell turtle that naturally occur in the americas.They get their name for the spike like intrusions that appear on the upper area of their carapace when they are threatened. There are 6 recognized subspecies of spiny softshell which include but not limited to
northern spiny softshell turtle, Gulf Coast spiny softshell turtle, Black spiny softshell turtle, Texas spiny softshell turtle, Guadalupe spiny softshell turtle, and the Pallid spiny softshell turtle.

Their Status in the wild is of least concern.
Care: Some basic care for this species includes a minimum of 55 gallon aquarium for one adult spiny softshell. Softshelled turtles need a shallow area in which they can bask because softshells dont really come out of the water also they need a heat lamp and a uvb bulb if they are being kept indoors. Water should be dechlorinated before you get your pet softshell and the water temperature can range from 70 degrees to 78 degrees ( note that even if you keep them outdoors you need to put a filter!!!).
Diet: Tiny pieces of market shrimp, quality turtle pellets, pieces of fish, and blood worms but as a treat(note that if you are going to feed live make sure to quarantine the prey items/ gut load them before you feed your new turtle). 6B6E9F71-867D-44DC-BD85-9E727FE99C6A.jpeg


Note none of the pictures used are mine they were taken off of google.
 
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Hendre

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Pretty cool thread! I would advise doing some formatting to make it easier to read, and including a link to image sources ;)
 

MatteoTheEnder22

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Florida softshell (Apalone ferox)
The florida softshell is the largest species pf softshell in the americas. The florida softshell is the only species of softshell that naturally occur in the whole peninsular of florida. This species is known to be hyper defensive and it is known to bite. This species the most commonly available species of softshell in the pet trade.
Conservation status is of least concern but in recent years their have been some Trafficking for this species for the asian food market.
Care: Same as spiny softshells they just need a pond at best as they are a larger species.
2251A492-3C22-4985-83FA-E6B83E2B636B.jpeg
Adult florida softshell
3D8C53D9-716C-47D1-9A36-38DD045EB222.jpeg
Baby florida softshell
 
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MatteoTheEnder22

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Smooth softshell (Apalone mutica)
Smooth softshell are often referred to as the most aquatic of the american softshells. Smooth softshells are often confused with spiny softshells because the differences between them are subtle for example the spiny softshells carapace is rough with spines along the front of it meanwhile the smooth softshells have a smooth carapace lacking such spines and also the white chin and throat of the smooth softshell lacks any blotching that the spiny has. There are also two recognized subspecies of the smooth softshell they are Apalone mutica calvata, and Apalone mutica mutica.
Conservation status is of least concern but with the same threats as the others which are deforestation and pollution.
Care: Exactly the same as spiny softshells.
1DE30EDC-055A-4F63-8469-704AC13B947C.jpeg
 
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MatteoTheEnder22

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So currently I’m getting info on softshells of Africa I may post some of the profiles tomorrow.
 
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