Apalone spinifera aspera
A species of American softshell turtles Scientific name : Apalone spinifera aspera Genus : American softshell turtles
Apalone spinifera aspera, A species of American softshell turtles
Scientific name: Apalone spinifera aspera
Genus: American softshell turtles
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Camden Davis , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Apalone spinifera aspera is a highly distinct species due to its specific adaptions for a life in fast-moving rivers. It has a notable behavior of feeding off the bottom of rivers, using a unique sit-and-wait strategy to ambush its prey. This species contributes to the ecological balance by controlling the population of aquatic invertebrates. Additionally, apalone spinifera aspera exhibits an interesting survival mechanism, camouflaging itself within its aquatic habitats to evade predators.
General Info
Lifespan
20-30 years
Diet
Feeding largely on various mollusks and crustaceans, apalone spinifera aspera displays marked dietary preferences. This carnivorous species utilizes its sharp beak to break open the hard shells, thus gaining nutrition.
Appearance
Apalone spinifera aspera is medium to large-sized with a flat, streamlined body designed for fast swimming. Its skin is leathery, bearing imperfections and spines. It flaunts a yellowish or tan underside, while the top is brown with black and yellow markings. The long, powerful tail features ridges along its length. This species exhibits no significant age, gender, or subspecies differences in appearance.
Behavior
Apalone spinifera aspera is mainly solitary, known for basking together but exhibiting aggression during the breeding season. This species forages for aquatic invertebrates and small fish with distinct head-thrust feeding behavior. In maintaining its territory, apalone spinifera aspera uses both visual and soft-shell camouflage to deter intruders. It tends to hibernate underwater, buried in the substrate during colder months.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Softshell turtles Species
Apalone spinifera aspera 
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