How Big Do Softshell Turtle Get
The wondrous creature that surfaces in our common pond life is the softshell turtle, but how big exactly do these fascinating creatures grow?
Adult softshell turtles can grow impressively large! Females tend to be bigger and can reach up to 24 inches in length, while males generally max out around 14 inches.
Got your ruler? Hold on tight as we dive deeper into the factors affecting their growth and discover more remarkable insights about softshell turtles.
A Glimpse into the Life of Softshell Turtles
Softshell turtles, known for their leather-like carapace, are a fascinating bunch of creatures that dwell in various habitats ranging from swamps to rivers, making them an intriguing study. So, let’s dive deep into their world to get a clearer picture of their lives.
The Habitat Wonder: Where do Softshell Turtles Live
Softshell turtles are predominantly found in freshwater environments, spanning across North America, Africa, and Asia. Not being picky about their habitats, they can be spotted in a wide variety of water bodies, such as rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Particularly noticeable is their fondness for sandy or muddy bottoms where they burrow and wait for their prey, using the soft sediment for camouflage.
The Diet Routine: What do Softshell Turtles Eat
The diet of softshell turtles is predominately carnivorous. They are undoubtedly skilled hunters, feeding on a hearty diet of fish, insects, crustaceans, and even amphibians. Interestingly, these voracious eaters are also opportunistic feeders, not hesitating to consume carrion in the absence of live prey. Moreover, some species like the Spiny Softshell Turtles are partially omnivorous, supplementing their meat diet with a bit of vegetation and algae for balance.
The Survival Instinct: Softshell Turtles’ Predators and Threats
Despite their well-equipped hunting skills, softshell turtles are not exempt from the food chain. They have numerous predators ranging from raccoons, foxes, to birds of prey, which mostly target the vulnerable eggs and juveniles. Humans pose a substantial threat as well, driven by habitat destruction, pollution, and hunting for their meat and eggs. Such continuous threats have led these turtles to develop incredible survival techniques, including their knack for fast swimming and a unique ability to breathe through their skin, allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods.
Understanding Softshell Turtles: Species, Size & Growth
Softshell turtles are a unique group of turtles known for their distinct soft shells. Unlike the hard, bony shell structure of most turtles, the softshell turtle’s shell is more flexible and leathery. These species span different sizes and growth rates.
All about The Florida Softshell Turtle
The Florida Softshell Turtle, scientifically known as ‘Apalone ferox’, is one of the largest species of softshell turtles. These turtles are native to the southeastern United States, especially in Florida and Georgia. They possess a large, pancake-like body structure and a long, pointed snout.
When discussing size, adult Florida softshell turtles can grow quite big. Female turtles particularly grow larger than males. A typical adult female can reach a shell length of up to about 24 inches (61 cm). On the other hand, males usually grow to about 14 inches (35.6 cm). However, exceptional cases have been recorded where individuals exceeded these average lengths.
Insights into The Spiny Softshell Turtle
The Spiny Softshell Turtle, also known as ‘Apalone spinifera’, is a native of North America and one of the most interesting species of softshell turtles. These turtles are marked by their round and flat body shape and a pointed snout similar to the Florida Softshell.
As for their size, Spiny Softshell Turtles are relatively large, with females tending to be larger than males. Females typically have a shell length of 6.5 to 18 inches (17 to 45 cm), while males can reach from 5 to 9.5 inches (13 to 24 cm).
Characteristics and Traits of The Smooth Softshell Turtle
Smooth Softshell Turtles, bearing the scientific name ‘Apalone mutica’, are another fascinating species, residing in the central and eastern parts of the United States. As the name suggests, these turtles have a flat, smooth shell that lacks the ridges and spines found in the Spiny Softshell Turtles.
Their size, on the other hand, is somewhat smaller than the other two species discussed. Males typically reach about 5 to 7 inches (12.7 to 17.8 cm), and females grow to about 6.5 to 14 inches (16.5 to 35.6 cm). They are comparatively smaller, but nonetheless, play a significant part of the diversity within the softshell turtle family.
Getting the Measure: The Size Factor in Softshell Turtles
Softshell turtles can vary in size, depending on their subspecies, with some achieving significant dimensions. There are notable differences seen in the average size between the adult male and female softshell turtles.
Average Size of Adult Male Softshell Turtles
On average, adult male softshell turtles tend to be smaller than their female counterparts. They commonly range in size from 6 to 12 inches in carapace length. Of course, there are exceptions, for example, the Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica) males can grow about 5 to 7 inches, while the Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) males can reach a length around 5 to 9.5 inches. Although smaller in size, male softshell turtles are mesmerizing with their distinct colors and patterns, which they often use as a mechanism to attract female turtles.
Average Size of Adult Female Softshell Turtles
Female softshell turtles are typically larger than males. For instance, the average size of an adult female Smooth Softshell Turtle can range from 6 to 13 inches, whereas, in the Spiny Softshell Turtle variety, females can easily reach up to a grand size of 7 to 18 inches. The female softshell turtles have whopping measurements not only for the animal kingdom but also when compared to other female turtles.
It’s fascinating to observe just how much these sizes can vary depending on factors such as habitat, diet, and overall health. From the relatively small males to the impressively large females, softshell turtles truly represent one of nature’s wonders when it comes to size variance. However, despite their large size, female softshell turtles retain their graceful and agile nature, whether in water or on land.
Softshell Predicament: The Impact of Size on a Turtle’s Life
The size of a softshell turtle can greatly impact its life, from its lifespan to its breeding success and even its natural predators. Let’s delve into the specifics of how size affects different aspects of a softshell turtle’s life.
Does Size Influence a Softshell Turtle’s Lifespan?
When it comes to the lifespan of softshell turtles, size can in fact play a significant role. Generally, the larger the turtle, the longer it will live. Softshell turtles, on average, can reach lengths of 5 to 11 inches, with some large species reaching up to 24 inches. Large adult Florida softshell turtles, for example, are known for their impressive size and can live up to 30 years in the wild and even longer in captivity when given an ideal environment and taken good care of.
Does Size Affect a Softshell Turtle’s Breeding Success?
Size also plays a certain role in the breeding success of softshell turtles. Larger female soft shell turtles generally have higher breeding success rates as they can produce a larger number of eggs. For instance, female Softshell turtles grow larger than males — up to 24 inches in shell length as opposed to 13 inches for males, and they can lay around 4 to 38 eggs at a time. On the other hand, smaller softshell turtles may have fewer prospective mates due to their size, which may in turn affect their breeding success.
How Size Determines a Softshell Turtle’s Natural Predators
The size of a softshell turtle directly determines what animals can prey on it. Larger softshell turtles, due to their size and powerful jaws, have fewer natural predators than smaller ones. Their primary predators are alligators, crocodiles, and large birds of prey. By contrast, the younger and smaller softshell turtles are more susceptible to predation. Raccoons, herons, large fish, and even other larger turtles have been known to prey on them.
Caring for Softshell Turtles: A Pet Owner’s Guide
Caring for a Softshell Turtle requires a comprehensive understanding of its natural habitat, diet, and behaviors. As a pet owner, there are several important factors you need to consider. This guide aims to help you understand the essential care needs of these wonderful creatures.
Choosing the Right Environment: Home Setup for a Softshell Turtle
Softshell turtles, being aquatic in nature, require a spacious tank with deep, clean water for swimming and a dry basking area where they can get sunlight or UVB light. The size of your turtle will dictate the size of the tank you need. Young softshell turtles can start in a 20-gallon tank, but larger species, like the Florida Softshell turtle, can grow up to 24 inches long and will need a tank of at least 125 gallons as they mature. The water temperature should be kept between 75-80°F and the basking area around 90-95°F. Adequate filtration is key to maintain clean water as softshell turtles produce a considerable amount of waste.
Meeting Dietary Needs: What to Feed Your Softshell Turtle
The diet of softshell turtles is largely carnivorous. Their main diet includes small fish, crustaceans, insects, and mollusks. Occasionally, they also enjoy leafy greens. When feeding your turtle, variety is important. Incorporate a mix of live food, turtle pellets, and fresh veggies. Calcium and vitamin supplements are also recommended to prevent health problems. Softshell turtles are voracious feeders, but care needs to be taken not to overfeed them. Adult turtles should be fed every other day, while the babies require daily feeding.
Keeping the Giant Happy: Tips for Handling Large Softshell Turtles
Large softshell turtles require careful handling. Despite their size, they can move surprisingly fast and are more aggressive compared to their smaller counterparts. Never lift a turtle by its tail as it can cause severe spinal injuries. Instead, hold the turtle on both sides of its shell. Pay close attention to their behavior, ensuring they are active, alert, and show good appetite. Also, remember that turtles, particularly large ones, require regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health.
Conservation Consideration: Protecting the Softshell Turtle
Softshell turtles are unique in the turtle family due to their leathery, rather than hard, shell. Sadly, like many wildlife species, they face a variety of threats that could potentially harm their populations. It’s crucial to be cautious about the preservation of these amazing creatures.
Threats to The Softshell Turtle Population
The primary threats to the softshell turtle population encompass habitat loss and degradation, as they primarily inhabit ponds, lakes, and rivers. Development, agriculture, and pollution have greatly distressed these environments, reducing the livable habitats for these turtles. Additionally, commercial hunting for their meat, pet trade, and use in traditional medicine also pose a significant impact on their population. Road fatalities during their nesting transits are an additional concern. For instance, The Florida Softshell Turtle, one of the largest softshell turtles that can grow up to 2.5 feet and weigh up to 44 lbs, has been recorded as a victim of such encounters.
Efforts and Measures to Conserve Softshell Turtles
Given the number of threats facing softshell turtles, conservationists are taking several actions to preserve their populations. Habitat preservation and protection measures, such as establishing wildlife reserves in their natural habitats, are integral to the process. More protective regulations are also being installed against their commercial hunting and trade.
Wildlife rehabilitation centers and shelters take care of injured, ill, or captive softshell turtles, providing them with suitable conditions for recovery and growth. These centers also play an essential role in educating the public, cultivating awareness and understanding about the importance of balanced ecosystems and wildlife conservation.
Moreover, several research projects are underway to learn more about the lifestyle, breeding habits, and specific needs of different softshell turtle species. This research is vital to guide effective management and restoration projects. As such, supporting scientific research is another crucial element in softshell turtle conservation.
Softshell turtles have existed for over 60 million years, withstanding the test of time and evolution. However, they now rely heavily on human efforts to ensure their survival. By better understanding their needs and threats and taking appropriate conservation measures, we can help protect these striking creatures for future generations.
Resources
- https://srelherp.uga.edu/turtles/apafer.htm
- https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/midland-smooth-softshell
- https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/eastern-spiny-softshell
