Spiny Softshell TurtleApalone spiniferaWhere and when to see them

The spiny softshell turtle is a highly aquatic freshwater turtle native to North America. It occurs throughout much of the Mississippi River basin, including the main river and many tributaries. Its flattened, flexible shell and long, snorkel-like nose distinguish it from the hard-shelled turtles commonly seen along riverbanks. Females grow considerably larger than males. Although globally classified as Least Concern, local populations face threats from habitat alteration, pollution, accidental capture in fishing gear, and disturbance of nesting areas.

Size

Adult shell length: about 12–24 cm in males and 18–54 cm in females.

Weight

Variable with size and sex; large adult females can weigh several kilograms.

Lifespan

Can live for around 50 years.

Status

Least Concern

Spiny softshell turtles are strong swimmers that spend much of their time in the water. They often conceal themselves beneath sand or fine sediment, leaving their eyes and snout exposed. A long neck allows them to reach the surface for air while keeping most of the body submerged. They also bask on exposed banks, sandbars, logs, or in shallow water. These wary turtles usually retreat quickly when approached. Females lay eggs in nests excavated in sunny sand or gravel above the waterline, generally in late spring or summer. During cold weather, they become inactive and overwinter underwater, often partly buried in the bottom.

• Its shell is covered by leathery skin rather than horny plates.
• Females can grow more than twice as long as males.
• It can take up oxygen from water through specialized surfaces in the throat and through its skin.
• Its snorkel-like snout lets it breathe with very little of its head exposed.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

This species inhabits rivers, streams, lakes, and other freshwater habitats with suitable shallow areas and basking sites. In the Mississippi River system, it uses sandy margins, side channels, backwaters, and tributaries as well as parts of the main channel. Sand or fine sediment provides cover for resting and ambushing prey. Open sandbars and gravel banks are important nesting habitat. Changes to river flow, bank armoring, and loss of exposed nesting areas can reduce habitat suitability.

Spiny softshell turtles are primarily carnivorous. They eat aquatic insects and their larvae, crayfish and other crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. They locate food along the bottom and may ambush passing prey while partly buried. The balance of prey varies with the turtle's size and local availability.

Common name

Spiny Softshell Turtle

Scientific name

Apalone spinifera

Animal group

Reptiles

Size

Adult shell length: about 12–24 cm in males and 18–54 cm in females.

Weight

Variable with size and sex; large adult females can weigh several kilograms.

Lifespan

Can live for around 50 years.

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Look for a very flat, leathery shell without the large horny plates found on most freshwater turtles. The head has a long neck, a narrow snout with tubular nostrils, and pale facial stripes bordered by darker markings. Small, rough, spine-like projections along the front edge of the upper shell help distinguish it from the similar smooth softshell turtle. Males and young turtles commonly show dark spots or rings, while adult females often develop a more mottled pattern.