Spiny Softshell
Apalone spinifera
They can absorb oxygen directly from the water through the highly vascularized lining of their throat and cloaca, allowing them to stay submerged for hours.
- Scientific name
- Apalone spinifera
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Reptilia › Testudines › Trionychidae › Apalone
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- aquatic
- Habitat
- Freshwater rivers, lakes, and marshes with sandy or muddy bottoms and ample basking sites.
- Diet
- Carnivorous; feeds on crayfish, aquatic insects, fish, frogs, and mollusks.
- Range
- North America, United States, Southern Canada, Northern Mexico
- Size
- Carapace length of 5 to 19 inches (12.7 to 48 cm), with females twice the size of males.
- Lifespan
- Up to 50 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Water pollution, habitat fragmentation, nest predation by raccoons, and accidental drowning in commercial fishing gear.
- Safe to approach?
- Defensive. Do not attempt to handle, as they have extremely long, flexible necks and can deliver a swift, painful bite. Maintain a safe distance of at least 5 feet. If bitten, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water, and seek medical attention if infection develops.
The spiny softshell turtle ( Apalone spinifera ) is a species of softshell turtle, one of the largest freshwater turtle species in North America. Both the common name, spiny softshell, and the specific name, spinifera (spine-bearing), refer to the spiny, cone-like projections on the leading edge of the carapace, which are not scutes (scales).
Photo: Nick Loveland, CC0, via iNaturalist
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