Types Of Softshell Turtles: A Complete Guide For Your Aquarium
Have you ever seen a softshell turtle gliding through the water and thought, “Wow, that’s not your average turtle!”? You’re not alone. Their unique, leathery shells and snorkel-like snouts make them some of the most fascinating creatures in the aquatic world. But this fascination often comes with a dose of uncertainty. Are they hard to care for? What do they even eat? It can feel a little intimidating.
I promise, by the end of this guide, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to understand these incredible animals. We’re going to demystify the world of softshells, breaking down everything you need to know about them.
We’ll explore the most common types of softshell turtles you might encounter, dive deep into creating the perfect habitat, and cover the essential best practices for their care. Think of this as your friendly, one-stop resource for becoming a softshell superstar. Let’s get started!
What Makes Softshell Turtles So Unique?
Before we jump into specific species, let’s talk about what sets these turtles apart from their hard-shelled cousins. Understanding their biology is the first step in providing excellent care.
Unlike the bony, domed shell of a slider or a painted turtle, a softshell’s carapace (the top part of the shell) is leathery, pliable, and flattened. This pancake-like shape is incredibly hydrodynamic, making them exceptionally fast and agile swimmers. They are built for life in the water.
Another standout feature is their long neck and snorkel-like snout. This amazing adaptation allows them to stay submerged and hidden in the sandy bottom of a river or lake, extending just the tip of their nose to the surface to breathe. It’s a masterclass in stealth!
Finally, their temperament is something to respect. They are primarily ambush predators, spending much of their time buried in the substrate waiting for a meal to swim by. This can make them seem shy, but they possess a surprisingly powerful bite and a very long reach. They are fascinating to observe but are definitely a hands-off pet.
Popular Types of Softshell Turtles for the Home Aquarium
Ready to meet the stars of the show? While there are many species worldwide, only a few are commonly found in the aquarium hobby. This types of softshell turtles guide will focus on the ones you’re most likely to see. Remember, “common” doesn’t always mean “easy,” so pay close attention to their specific needs!
The Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)
This is arguably the most common softshell in the North American pet trade. They are recognized by the small, spine-like projections along the front edge of their carapace, which gives them their name. They are active, curious, and incredible to watch.
However, they get BIG. Females can easily exceed 18 inches in shell length, while males stay smaller at around 9 inches. This size difference is critical when planning their forever home.
- Size: 5-9 inches (males), 9-19 inches (females)
- Temperament: Inquisitive but can be aggressive; best kept alone.
- Tank Size (Minimum): 75 gallons for a male, 180+ gallons for a female.
- Fun Fact: They can breathe through their skin to a certain extent, allowing for longer underwater times!
The Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica)
As their name suggests, Smooth Softshells lack the spines of their cousins. Their shells are exceptionally smooth and often have a simple pattern of dots or dashes. They are known for being a slightly more docile species, but that “softshell attitude” can still surface!
They are river specialists and love a bit of current in their tank. While still large, their maximum size is a bit more manageable than the Spiny or Florida softshells, making them a slightly better choice for dedicated keepers with space limitations.
- Size: 4-7 inches (males), 7-14 inches (females)
- Temperament: Generally more timid and less aggressive than other species.
- Tank Size (Minimum): 75 gallons for a male, 125+ gallons for a female.
- Pro Tip: A sandy substrate is non-negotiable for this species, as they love to bury themselves completely.
The Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)
Often sold as tiny, button-sized hatchlings, these turtles are very common in the global pet trade. They have a distinctive warty or bumpy texture on their necks. While they don’t reach the giant proportions of some North American species, they still grow to a respectable size.
One of the key types of softshell turtles tips for this species is to be vigilant about water quality. They are particularly susceptible to skin and shell problems if their water isn’t kept pristine.
- Size: Up to 10-12 inches.
- Temperament: Can be quite feisty and are known for their powerful bite.
- Tank Size (Minimum): 90+ gallons for an adult.
- Important Note: These turtles are farmed for food in many parts of the world, so always seek out captive-bred individuals for the pet trade.
A Word of Caution: The Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox)
You might see these for sale, but we at Aquifarm strongly advise against them for virtually all home aquarists. Why? They are one of the largest freshwater turtles in North America, with females capable of reaching over two feet in shell length. They are also notoriously aggressive. They require pond-sized enclosures and are truly a species best left to professional zoos and experienced sanctuaries.
The Ultimate Softshell Turtle Care Guide: Best Practices
Knowing how to care for the different types of softshell turtles is where the real work begins. Their needs are specific, but getting them right is incredibly rewarding. This types of softshell turtles care guide covers the non-negotiables.
Tank Setup: More Than Just Water
Your turtle’s enclosure is their entire world. For softshells, a few things are critical.
- Size Matters (A Lot): Go with the biggest tank you can possibly afford and fit. The minimums listed above are just that—minimums. A larger tank provides more stable water parameters and more room for these active swimmers.
- Substrate is Key: Forget gravel or rough rocks. Softshells need a deep bed of fine-grain play sand or pool filter sand. They burrow to sleep, hide, and hunt. A rough substrate can scratch their delicate shells, leading to serious infections.
- Powerful Filtration: Turtles are messy, and softshells are no exception. You need a canister filter rated for at least twice the volume of your tank. For a 125-gallon tank, a filter rated for 250-300 gallons is a good starting point.
- Basking Area: Even though they are highly aquatic, they need a place to haul out, dry off completely, and bask. A floating turtle dock or a custom-built above-tank basking area works well. You’ll need both a heat lamp (to create a basking spot of 90-95°F) and a UVB lamp over this area for proper shell health and calcium metabolism.
Diet and Feeding Your Softshell
Softshell turtles are primarily carnivores. A varied diet is crucial for their health.
Good food choices include high-quality commercial turtle pellets, earthworms, crickets, dubia roaches, and occasional pieces of fish or shrimp. Avoid feeding fatty fish like goldfish or rosy red minnows regularly, as they can lead to health problems.
Hatchlings should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day. It’s very easy to overfeed them, which leads to obesity. A good rule of thumb is to offer an amount of food roughly the size of their head and neck combined per feeding.
Common Problems with Types of Softshell Turtles (And How to Solve Them)
Even with the best care, you might run into issues. Being able to spot common problems with types of softshell turtles early is a lifesaver.
Shell and Skin Issues
Fungal infections, shell rot, and ulcers are sadly common. They almost always stem from poor water quality or injuries from an improper setup (like sharp rocks or gravel).
The Fix: Pristine water is your best defense. Perform large, regular water changes (25-50% weekly). Ensure your substrate is soft sand. If you see white fuzzy patches or pinkish sores, a trip to an experienced reptile vet is in order.
Respiratory Infections
If you notice your turtle wheezing, bubbling from the nose, or swimming lopsidedly, it could have a respiratory infection. This is often caused by water or air temperatures that are too cold or a basking spot that isn’t warm enough.
The Fix: Double-check all your temperatures with a reliable thermometer. Ensure the basking spot is warm and draft-free. A vet visit is necessary for antibiotics.
Aggression and Biting
This isn’t a health problem, but it’s a major keeper problem. Softshells have a nasty bite. Never hand-feed them, and always be mindful of their long necks when performing tank maintenance. They are best housed alone, as they will likely injure or kill any fish or other turtle tank mates.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Softshell Turtle Keeping
Being a responsible aquarist goes beyond just the tank. Embracing sustainable types of softshell turtles practices is crucial for the health of our hobby and the planet.
First and foremost, always buy captive-bred turtles. Wild-caught animals endure immense stress during capture and transport, and their removal can harm wild populations. Captive-bred turtles are healthier, more accustomed to aquarium life, and don’t deplete nature.
Most importantly, never, ever release a pet turtle into the wild. They can introduce diseases to native wildlife and become destructive invasive species. If you can no longer care for your turtle, reach out to a local reptile rescue or herpetological society.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Softshell Turtles
Can you hold a softshell turtle?
It’s strongly recommended not to. Their necks are incredibly long and flexible, allowing them to reach around and bite an unsuspecting hand. Their bites are painful and can cause serious injury. They are pets for observation, not handling.
How big do softshell turtles get?
This varies greatly by species and sex. Males are significantly smaller than females. A male Spiny Softshell might stay under 10 inches, while a female can approach 20 inches. Always research the specific species and plan for the female’s maximum size, just in case.
Are softshell turtles good for beginners?
Honestly, no. Due to their large size, demanding water quality needs, specific habitat requirements (like sand), and potential aggression, they are best suited for intermediate or experienced keepers who are prepared for a long-term commitment to a large aquatic setup.
Your Journey with Softshells
Whew, that was a lot of information! From the feisty Spiny to the reclusive Smooth, the various types of softshell turtles offer a unique and rewarding experience for the dedicated keeper. They are not your average pet turtle, and that’s what makes them so special.
Their care requires commitment—to large tanks, powerful filtration, and pristine water. But watching one of these prehistoric-looking animals glide effortlessly through the water you’ve provided is a sight unlike any other.
If you’re ready for the challenge, do your research, prepare their home in advance, and get ready to enjoy one of the most amazing creatures in the aquatic world. Happy turtling!
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