Spiny softshell turtle
A species of American softshell turtles Scientific name : Apalone spinifera spinifera Genus : American softshell turtles
Spiny softshell turtle, A species of American softshell turtles
Scientific name: Apalone spinifera spinifera
Genus: American softshell turtles
Content
Description General Info
Description
Spiny softshell turtle exhibits a behavior of incredible endurance known as 'clamming', where it can stay submerged underwater for hours to escape predators by slowing its heart rate and metabolic processes. Ecologically, this species plays an important role in controlling aquatic invertebrate populations due to its considerable dietary preference for them.
General Info
Lifespan
20-30 years
Diet
Spiny softshell turtle exhibits an omnivorous feeding behavior, predominantly consuming a diet of aquatic invertebrates. Its consumption includes mollusks, crustaceans, insects, and even small fish species. However, plant matter also forms a portion of its diet.
Appearance
Spiny softshell turtle is a medium-sized turtle with a flattened, oval shell and a distinctive long, narrow snouted nose. Its soft, smooth shell lacks the usual scutes of hard turtles, sporting a sandy-brown to olive-green hue instead. An interesting feature is its sharp, spiny projections on the neck's underside, a unique characteristic of the species. Differences between genders are minimal, with females being slightly larger than males.
Behavior
Spiny softshell turtle is a stealth predator, with a sit-and-wait technique. It remains submerged under water, only revealing its head for air, camouflaging itself for unsuspecting prey. Not known for sociality, it shows territoriality mainly during breeding season. Primarily nocturnal, spiny softshell turtle's daily activities include hunting and basking in the sun.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Softshell turtles Species
Spiny softshell turtle 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
