Spiny Soft-shell Turtle (Apalone spinifera spinifera)

There is no mistaking a Spiny Soft-shelled Turtle, ...it is often describes as being 'pancake like' and having a 'pig snout'!

Spiny Soft-shell Turtles are quite cute and comical as baby turtles. They are also very quick and alert. Many are graceful
swimmers. “Watching softshells swim is like watching birds fly!” is an observation by one insightful turtle breeder.

Despite their adorable appearance as babies the Spiny Soft-shell Turtle is a more difficult turtle to keep. Adults need to
be housed singly or in small groups. Groups will need a lot of space, as they can grow into large, somewhat aggressive animals.

The Spiny Soft-shell Turtles are best kept as display animals. Even so, you will find that some softshells will be great for
this while others will bury themselves in the sand and rarely be seen. It takes a special keeper with a sincere interest to keep
soft-shelled turtles properly in captivity.


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