An adult female's carapace can be anywhere from 7 to 19 inches (18 to 48 centimeters) in length, while the male's is much smaller at 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters) in length. Spiny softshells prefer waters with sandy bottoms as well as clean, sandy banks. The Spiny turtle is a part of the Asian river turtle family, Geoemydidae. Baby Spiny Softshell Turtle Having a baby spiny softshell turtle is probably one of the hardest things to have as a pet in your home. The group of eggs is … Spiny softshells are bimodal breathers, meaning that they have the ability (to some degree) to perform oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange by breathing air or while breathing underwater. The spiny softshell turtle is spread throughout most of the United States, from the central-eastern U.S. to Wisconsin and Minnesota, and as far south as Mexico. The nesting sites are also at risk of predation from animals such as coyotes, foxes, and raccoons. photo by C.A. Distribution: North America. They mate in mid-to-late spring in deep water. Spiny softshell turtles are aquatic and spend most of their life in the water. The Spiny softshell turtle's scientific name is very descriptive of the animal. Softshell turtles are mainly carnivorous. One, two, or rarely three eggs are laid per clutch; in captivity, laying usually occurs in the night or early morning. Unlike most turtles in Georgia, the spiny softshell turtle has a flat, leathery shell with very flexible edges, "resembling a pancake". These turtles live in freshwater habitats including ponds, lakes, rivers, tributaries, and streams. The turtle nests more than once during a single season. According to IUCN, the Spiny softshell turtle is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. In spite of being related, there are a few differences between the two species. The spiny softshell turtle will eat almost anything in the water that will fit into its mouth, which may include aquatic insects, crayfish, and the occasional fish. It is also distinguished by its snorkel-like snout. Spiny softshell turtles reach adulthood between the ages of 8 to 10 years old. Geographic Range. The common name, spiny softshell, refers to the spiny, cone-like projections on the leading edge of the turtle's carapace, which are not scutes (scales). They can be found in areas with varying levels of vegetation, and generally occur in more slowly-moving waters. The Spiny turtle's colours resemble that of a volcano - dark gray to black and red to deep orange. Description It is said that juvenile Spiny Turtles are like walking pin cushions. The front edge of the carapace will also have small spines, and the shell’s surface will be covered by a soft skin that, when touched, has a texture similar to that of sandpaper. Spiny Softshell Turtle on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiny_softshell_turtle, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/163451/97398618. turtle, the spiny turtle is about 9 inches long in adulthood. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, United States Geological Survey. The Spiny Terrapin, or Spiny Hill Terrapin, is largely a forest floor dweller. When hunting, Spiny softshells use their sight, chemical signals, and vibrations which help to detect the prey. OUR DATA: We use the most recent data from these primary sources: AnAge, UMICH, Max Planck, PanTHERIA, Arkive, UKC, AKC. The Spiny softshell is a medium-large freshwater turtle that is easily recognized by its shell, which is round, rather flat, leathery and can reach up to 54 centimetres long. photo by C.A. This carapace can get up to 18" long in females and only 9" long in males … Anywhere, any time. 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