Types Of Softshell Turtles That You Can Keep As Pets – Your Complete

Written ByHoward Parker

Thinking about adding a truly unique reptile to your aquatic family? Softshell turtles, with their leathery, pancake-like shells and adorable snorkel noses, are absolutely captivating. But let’s be honest—they can also seem like a challenging pet, a big step up from your average guppy tank.

I get it. When I first saw a Spiny Softshell gliding through the water, I was hooked, but also a little intimidated. They’re different, and that can feel overwhelming.

But I’m here to promise you that with the right knowledge and preparation, keeping one of these incredible creatures can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby. This guide is your first step. We’ll dive deep into the best types of softshell turtles that you can keep as pets, explore their specific habitat needs, and cover the best practices for their care to ensure they live a long, happy life with you.

Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a confident softshell turtle keeper!

Why Choose a Softshell Turtle? The Allure of These Unique Reptiles

So, what’s the big deal with softshells? Unlike their hard-shelled cousins, these turtles are built for speed and stealth. Their flattened, leathery carapace (the top shell) makes them incredibly hydrodynamic, and they are fascinating to watch as they “fly” through the water.

One of the primary benefits of types of softshell turtles that you can keep as pets is observing their natural behaviors. They are ambush predators, and a key part of their day involves burying themselves in a soft, sandy substrate with just their eyes and snout poking out. It’s an amazing sight to behold!

They are active, intelligent, and have surprisingly big personalities. While they aren’t a pet for handling, their interactive nature during feeding time and their graceful swimming creates a living piece of art in your home aquarium.

Before You Begin: The Softshell Turtle Commitment

Alright, friend, let’s have a serious chat before you bring one home. Softshell turtles are not a casual pet. They require a significant commitment in terms of time, space, and resources. Understanding this upfront is key to being a responsible owner.

  • A Long Lifespan: We’re not talking about a couple of years. Most softshell species can live for 20 to 50 years in captivity. This is a long-term companion, so be prepared for the long haul.
  • They Get BIG: That tiny, cute turtle at the pet store will grow. And grow. Many common species require tanks of 100 gallons or more as adults. This is a major consideration for space and budget.
  • A Feisty Temperament: Softshell turtles have incredibly long necks and a powerful bite. They are not afraid to use it if they feel threatened. They should be considered a “look, don’t touch” pet and handled only when absolutely necessary, and with great care.

Thinking through these points is one of the most important types of softshell turtles that you can keep as pets tips I can offer. It ensures both you and your future pet are set up for success.

The Top Types of Softshell Turtles That You Can Keep as Pets

Now for the fun part! While there are many species of softshell turtles in the world, only a few are commonly and ethically available in the pet trade. Here’s a breakdown of the ones you’re most likely to encounter.

Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)

This is arguably the most common softshell in the pet trade. They are recognizable by the small, spine-like projections along the front edge of their carapace. They are incredibly active swimmers and full of personality.

  • Adult Size: Males typically reach 5-9 inches, while females can grow much larger, often 7-17 inches.
  • Tank Size: A 75-gallon tank can work for a male, but you’ll need at least a 125-gallon aquarium for an adult female.
  • Temperament: They can be feisty and are known to be nippy. They are best kept in a species-only tank.

Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica)

As their name suggests, Smooth Softshells lack the spines of their cousins, giving their shell a clean, smooth edge. They are generally considered slightly less aggressive than the Spiny Softshell, though they still pack a punch.

  • Adult Size: Similar to the Spiny, with males around 4-7 inches and females reaching 6-14 inches.
  • Tank Size: A 75-gallon tank for a male and a 125-gallon (or larger) for a female is a good starting point.
  • Temperament: A bit more placid than the Spiny, but still not a turtle to be handled casually. They are very active and require pristine water conditions.

Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox)

A word of caution here. While available, the Florida Softshell is a true giant of the turtle world and is only suitable for the most advanced keepers with space for a pond or a custom, room-sized enclosure. They are notoriously aggressive and can inflict a serious bite.

  • Adult Size: Males can reach 12 inches, but females can easily exceed 24 inches (two feet!).
  • Tank Size: Think stock tanks or indoor ponds of several hundred gallons. A standard aquarium will not suffice.
  • Temperament: Highly aggressive and territorial. For experts only.

Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)

This species is often available due to its popularity in aquaculture. They tend to be a more manageable size than their North American counterparts, making them a slightly more practical choice for home aquarists.

  • Adult Size: Typically grow to around 10-12 inches.
  • Tank Size: A 90 to 125-gallon tank is a great size for an adult.
  • Temperament: Like all softshells, they can be defensive. They are voracious eaters and very active.

Setting Up the Perfect Softshell Habitat: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the right environment is the most critical part of your types of softshell turtles that you can keep as pets care guide. Their unique biology demands specific conditions to thrive.

Step 1: Get the Right Sized Tank

Don’t skimp on the tank. A common mistake is buying a small tank for a baby turtle. They grow fast! It’s more cost-effective to invest in their adult-sized home from the start. A long, wide tank is better than a tall, deep one to maximize swimming area.

Step 2: The Perfect Substrate is Non-Negotiable

This is a big one. Softshell turtles must have a deep substrate of fine-grain sand. Avoid gravel or coarse sand, which can scratch their soft plastron (bottom shell) and lead to infections. A 3-4 inch deep sand bed allows them to bury themselves completely, which is essential for their sense of security.

Step 3: Power Up Your Filtration

Softshells are messy. They are carnivorous and produce a lot of waste. You need a filtration system rated for at least twice the volume of your tank. A high-quality canister filter is an excellent choice as it provides powerful mechanical and biological filtration without creating excessive water flow that might stress the turtle.

Step 4: Lighting and Basking Area

Just like hard-shelled turtles, softshells need two types of light:

  1. UVA/Heat Lamp: This provides a warm basking spot. The surface of the basking area (a floating dock, driftwood, or a built-in platform) should be around 90-95°F.
  2. UVB Lamp: This is crucial for calcium metabolism and vitamin D3 synthesis, preventing metabolic bone disease. Use a quality UVB bulb and replace it every 6-12 months as recommended by the manufacturer.

Feeding Your Softshell: A Carnivore’s Diet Plan

Understanding how to types of softshell turtles that you can keep as pets are fed is simple: they are carnivores through and through. A varied diet is key to their health.

A great diet includes:

  • High-Quality Pellets: Use a commercial turtle pellet formulated for carnivorous reptiles as a staple.
  • Live/Frozen Foods: This is where they get enrichment! Offer earthworms, crickets, ghost shrimp, and occasional feeder guppies or minnows (from a safe source to avoid parasites).
  • Other Proteins: Cooked, unseasoned chicken or fish pieces can be given as a rare treat.

Feed hatchlings daily and adults every other day to prevent obesity. Always remove any uneaten food after about 15 minutes to keep the water clean.

Common Problems with Softshell Turtles and How to Solve Them

Even with the best care, issues can arise. Here are some common problems with types of softshell turtles that you can keep as pets and how to address them.

Shell Health Issues

Their soft shells are vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections, often appearing as white, fuzzy patches or pitted lesions. This is almost always caused by poor water quality or injuries from sharp objects in the tank. The solution is prevention: keep the water pristine, provide a proper basking spot for them to dry out completely, and ensure the tank has no sharp decor.

Stress and Refusal to Eat

A new turtle will often hide and refuse to eat for a few days. This is normal. Ensure they have a deep sand bed to hide in and that the tank is in a low-traffic area. If the behavior persists, double-check your water temperature and quality, as these are the most common stressors.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Softshell Turtle Keeping

Being a great aquarist also means being an ethical one. When looking for sustainable types of softshell turtles that you can keep as pets, the number one rule is to always buy captive-bred animals. Wild-caught turtles undergo immense stress during capture and transport and their removal harms wild populations.

Equally important is the commitment to never release your pet into the wild. Pet turtles can introduce diseases to native wildlife and can become invasive species, disrupting the local ecosystem. If you can no longer care for your turtle, contact a local reptile rescue or herpetological society for help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Softshell Turtles

Can I keep softshell turtles with fish or other turtles?

It’s highly discouraged. Softshells are opportunistic predators and will likely eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. They are also aggressive towards other turtles, including their own kind, and can cause serious injury.

Do softshell turtles bite?

Yes, absolutely. They have a surprisingly long reach and a sharp, powerful bite. They should be considered a display animal and handled as little as possible. When you must move them, handle them by the rear of the shell to keep your fingers safe.

How long do pet softshell turtles live?

With proper care, they are a very long-lived pet, often reaching 20 to 50 years. This is a lifelong commitment, so it’s a decision that should not be taken lightly.

Why is my softshell turtle always buried in the sand?

This is perfectly normal and healthy behavior! It’s how they hunt and feel secure. A softshell that isn’t burying itself may be stressed or indicating that its substrate isn’t deep or soft enough.

Your Rewarding Journey Awaits

There you have it—a complete guide to the most common types of softshell turtles that you can keep as pets. While they demand more specific care than many other aquatic pets, the reward is a truly unique and mesmerizing animal that will provide decades of fascination.

By investing in the right setup from the start, committing to pristine water quality, and respecting their wild nature, you can provide an amazing home for one of these prehistoric-looking wonders. Don’t be intimidated—be prepared. Your incredible journey into the world of softshell turtles is just beginning!

Howard Parker
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