Florida softshell turtle
A species of American softshell turtles, Also known as Florida softshell Scientific name : Apalone ferox Genus : American softshell turtles
Florida softshell turtle, A species of American softshell turtles
Also known as:
Florida softshell
Scientific name: Apalone ferox
Genus: American softshell turtles
Content
Description General Info
Photo By en:User:Dawson , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) is a species of softshell turtle native to the Southeastern United States.
General Info
Lifespan
20-40 years
Diet
Florida softshell turtle is primarily a carnivore, with a diet steeped in varied aquatic life. Notably, its feed includes mollusks, crustaceans, insects, fish, and even small amphibians, displaying an opportunistic feeding behavior.
Appearance
Florida softshell turtle is a large freshwater turtle recognized by its flat, pancaked body shape, and submerged head with a pointed snout. Its skin is a brownish or greenish hue with a smooth yet leathery texture. A unique characteristic includes a jagged back edge of the shell, resembling a saw tooth. No significant differences in appearance due to age, gender or subspecies exist.
Behavior
Florida softshell turtle is largely solitary, displaying aggression during breeding seasons. Noted for its ambush predation technique, it remains still in shallow waters, camouflaging itself with the muddy bottom. Its speed and explosive force are crucial during feeding and escaping predators, exemplifying unique survival adaptations.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Softshell turtles Species
Florida softshell turtle 
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