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Spiny Softshell
Spiny Softshell
Apalone spinifera
Reptilia
COMMON

Stats

Lifespan
Up to 50 yrs
Size
Large
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Social
Solitary
Biome
Freshwater wetland
Range
North America
Movement
Swimming
Breeding
Egg-laying
Defense
Camouflage
Status
Common

About

Spiny softshell turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in North America. These turtles have an unusual defense mechanism: they have sharp, cone-like projections on the leading edge of their shells.

Life cycle

  1. 1.
    hatchling
    A coin-sized hatchling digs out of the nest and makes its own way to water or shelter.
  2. 2.
    juvenile
    A juvenile turtle's shell hardens and grows yearly rings as it forages on its own.
  3. 3.
    adult
    Fully grown with adult shell size and markings.

Learn more

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Testudines
Family
Trionychidae
Genus
Apalone
Species
Apalone spinifera