How Long Can A Softshell Turtle Stay Underwater – A Complete Guide To

Written ByHoward Parker

Ever find yourself staring into your aquarium, watching your softshell turtle buried peacefully in the sand, and thinking, “Wait… how long has it been down there?” You’re not alone! It’s a sight that fills new and even experienced keepers with a mix of awe and a tiny bit of panic.

You start to wonder if they’re okay, if they need to come up for air, and if your setup is providing everything they need. It’s a perfectly normal concern for a caring owner.

I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll not only have a clear answer to how long can a softshell turtle stay underwater, but you’ll also understand the incredible biological superpowers that make it possible. You’ll feel completely confident that you’re providing the perfect aquatic home for your unique pet.

We’re about to dive deep into their amazing respiratory adaptations, the key environmental factors you control, and the best practices for creating a thriving habitat. Let’s unlock the secrets of these fascinating creatures together!

The Astonishing Truth: Unpacking Submersion Times

So, let’s get right to it. The simple answer is that an active, healthy softshell turtle can comfortably stay underwater for 40 to 60 minutes at a time. But here’s where it gets truly amazing: a resting, sleeping, or hibernating softshell turtle can remain submerged for several hours, and in some cases, even months during brumation (the reptile version of hibernation)!

Unlike us, they aren’t just “holding their breath.” They have a whole toolkit of biological hacks that allow them to pull oxygen directly from the water. This ability is what makes them such unique and highly aquatic turtles.

Understanding this is the first step. The next is learning about the incredible mechanisms that make these long dives possible, which is crucial for any responsible owner wanting to provide the best care.

Not Just Lungs: The Secret Breathing Methods of Softshell Turtles

Softshell turtles are masters of adaptation. While they do have lungs and breathe air just like other reptiles (a process called pulmonary respiration), that’s only a small part of their story. Their real talent lies in their ability to breathe without ever surfacing.

Here are the three secret weapons in their respiratory arsenal. This is a core part of any good how long can a softshell turtle stay underwater guide.

Pharyngeal Respiration: Breathing Through Their Throat

This is their primary underwater breathing method. If you look closely at your turtle while it’s resting underwater, you might see it gently pumping its throat. It’s not yawning—it’s breathing!

The inside of their throat (the pharynx) is lined with fleshy, finger-like projections called papillae, which are rich in blood vessels. By pumping water in and out of their mouth and over these structures, they can absorb dissolved oxygen directly into their bloodstream. It’s like having a set of gills right in their throat!

Cloacal Respiration: The Famous “Butt-Breathing”

Yes, you read that right! Softshell turtles can also absorb oxygen through their rear end. Their cloaca—the all-in-one opening for waste and reproduction—is lined with thin-walled sacs called bursae that are also filled with blood vessels.

By pumping water into the cloaca, they can perform gas exchange, absorbing oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. While it’s less efficient than pharyngeal breathing, it’s a significant contributor to their ability to stay submerged for extended periods, especially while resting.

Cutaneous Respiration: Breathing Through Their Skin

Finally, their unique, leathery shell and skin are also permeable to oxygen. This process, known as cutaneous respiration, allows for a low level of gas exchange over their entire body surface.

The more oxygen-rich the water is, the more effective this method becomes. It’s another piece of the puzzle that explains their incredible underwater endurance and highlights the importance of pristine water quality.

Factors That Influence Underwater Time: A Complete Care Guide

Knowing how they breathe underwater is one thing; knowing how to support it is another. Several key factors in your aquarium setup directly impact how long your softshell can comfortably stay submerged. Following these how long can a softshell turtle stay underwater best practices is essential for their health.

Water Temperature and Metabolism

Turtles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature and metabolism are dictated by their environment. Warmer water leads to a higher metabolism, which means they use more energy and oxygen, forcing them to surface more often.

Conversely, cooler water (within their appropriate range) slows their metabolism, reduces their oxygen needs, and allows for much longer submersion times. This is why they can stay underwater for months during brumation in the wild.

  • Pro Tip: For most common pet species like the Spiny or Smooth Softshell, a water temperature between 72-78°F (22-26°C) is a perfect balance for healthy activity and comfortable submersion.

Water Quality and Oxygen Levels

This is arguably the most critical factor. Since two of their three main underwater breathing methods rely on absorbing dissolved oxygen from the water, the quality of that water is paramount.

Low oxygen levels, often caused by waste buildup or poor circulation, will force your turtle to rely solely on its lungs. This means more frequent, stressful trips to the surface. Providing a clean, oxygen-rich environment is one of the most direct benefits of how long can a softshell turtle stay underwater peacefully.

Activity Level and Stress

Just like us, a turtle’s oxygen consumption skyrockets with activity. A turtle that is actively swimming, hunting, or exploring will need to surface for air much more frequently than one that is resting or buried in the sand.

Stress also plays a huge role. A turtle that feels exposed, is housed with aggressive tank mates, or is in a tank that’s too small will be in a constant state of alert, burning through its oxygen reserves much faster.

Age and Size of the Turtle

Hatchlings and juvenile softshells have a much higher metabolism than adults. They are growing rapidly and are generally more active, so they will surface for air more often. As they mature and grow larger, their metabolism slows, and their ability to stay submerged for longer periods increases.

Creating the Perfect Underwater Haven: Best Practices for Your Setup

Now, let’s turn knowledge into action. Here is how to create an environment that supports your softshell’s natural aquatic behaviors, incorporating sustainable and effective methods.

The Importance of a Sandy Substrate

This is non-negotiable for softshell turtles. They have a powerful instinct to bury themselves, leaving only their snout exposed. This isn’t just for hiding—it’s their primary way of relaxing and conserving energy. A turtle buried in the sand is a calm, secure turtle.

Provide a layer of at least 2-3 inches of fine-grain sand, like play sand or pool filter sand. Avoid gravel or rough substrates, which can easily injure their delicate plastron (the bottom part of their shell).

Providing Ample Space and Hiding Spots

Softshells are active swimmers and need space. A larger tank reduces stress and allows for more natural behavior. While they are highly aquatic, they also appreciate driftwood, smooth rocks, and artificial plants to use as cover when they choose not to bury themselves.

Optimizing Water Flow and Aeration

This directly addresses how to how long can a softshell turtle stay underwater. To maximize dissolved oxygen:

  1. Use a Powerful Filter: A good canister filter or a robust hang-on-back filter rated for a tank larger than yours is essential. It not only cleans the water but also creates surface agitation.
  2. Incorporate a Spray Bar: Aiming your filter’s spray bar at the water’s surface creates significant agitation, which is fantastic for gas exchange.
  3. Add an Air Stone: A simple air stone or bubble wand adds both oxygen and beneficial water movement.

Don’t Forget the Basking Area!

Despite their aquatic prowess, softshells are still reptiles. They absolutely must have a dry basking area where they can completely leave the water. This spot needs a heat lamp to create a warm zone (around 90°F or 32°C) and, crucially, a UVB light. UVB is essential for them to process calcium and maintain a healthy shell and bones.

Common Problems and When to Worry

Understanding their behavior helps you spot when something is wrong. Here are some common problems with how long can a softshell turtle stay underwater and what they might mean.

My Turtle is Always Underwater – Is This Normal?

In most cases, yes! A softshell that spends most of its time buried in the sand or resting at the bottom is usually a happy, relaxed turtle. As long as it is eating well and occasionally moves or basks, this is perfectly normal behavior. If this is paired with lethargy or a refusal to eat, it could be a sign of illness.

My Turtle Surfaces Constantly – What Does It Mean?

This is a more significant warning sign. If your turtle is frantically paddling to the surface for air every few minutes, it’s a red flag. The potential causes include:

  • Poor Water Quality: Test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Low dissolved oxygen is the most likely culprit.
  • Water is Too Warm: Check the temperature. An overheated turtle has a high metabolism and a desperate need for oxygen.
  • Stress: Is the tank too small? Are there aggressive tank mates?
  • Respiratory Infection: This is a serious health issue. Look for other symptoms.

Signs of Respiratory Distress

If you see your turtle surfacing constantly, look for these additional signs of a respiratory infection, which requires an immediate visit to an exotic veterinarian:

  • Gasping or open-mouth breathing at the surface.
  • Swimming with a lopsided tilt, unable to stay level.
  • Bubbles coming from the nose or mouth.
  • Excessive yawning or stretching of the neck while on land.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Long a Softshell Turtle Can Stay Underwater

Can softshell turtles sleep underwater?

Absolutely! This is their preferred way to sleep. They will typically bury themselves in the sand or find a secure spot to rest at the bottom of the tank, using their pharyngeal and cloacal breathing to stay submerged all night.

Do I need a special filter to help my softshell turtle stay underwater longer?

You don’t need a “special” brand, but you do need an effective and powerful one. The goal is excellent mechanical and biological filtration combined with good water circulation and surface agitation to keep the water clean and highly oxygenated. A quality canister filter is often the best choice for turtle tanks.

Why does my softshell turtle bury itself in the sand all the time?

This is a completely natural and healthy behavior. In the wild, they are ambush predators that bury themselves to hide from both predators and prey. In an aquarium, it’s their primary method for feeling safe, secure, and relaxed. It’s a sign that your turtle feels at home.

How can I make my turtle’s habitat more eco-friendly?

Creating a more sustainable how long can a softshell turtle stay underwater setup is a great goal! You can use energy-efficient LED lights for UVB and timers to reduce electricity use, choose natural decor like Mopani wood and live plants (be prepared for them to be eaten!), and perform responsible water changes to conserve water.

Your Journey to Expert Softshell Care

The question “how long can a softshell turtle stay underwater” opens up a whole world of incredible biology. These animals are far more complex and fascinating than many realize, equipped with a suite of superpowers that make them true aquatic specialists.

Your role as a keeper is to provide an environment where they can use these abilities to live a calm, stress-free life. By focusing on pristine, oxygen-rich water, a soft sandy bottom, and proper temperatures, you’re not just keeping a pet—you’re stewarding a unique piece of the natural world.

So, the next time you see your pancake-like friend resting peacefully at the bottom of the tank for an hour, you can smile. You’ll know they aren’t just holding their breath; they’re thriving in the perfect habitat you’ve created. Happy turtling!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)
Related posts
  • Best Water Heater For Turtles – A Shell-Proof Guide To Safety
  • Can Painted Turtles Mate With Red Eared Sliders – A Guide To Hybrid