Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox)

Short answers

Florida softshell turtle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Very large: a tank of at least 8–10× the shell length; several thousand litres for adult females, or a large indoor basin or pond – not for the living room.

Florida softshell turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C water (not above ~30 °C – harmful), basking spot 30–35 °C (land section, rarely used), at night approx. 22 °C.

Florida softshell turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended (above the land section).

Florida softshell turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–30 years and more.

Florida softshell turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C water (not above ~30 °C – harmful)

Night temperature

approx. 22 °C

Basking spot

30–35 °C (land section, rarely used)

Humidity

— (aquatic)

UVB

UVB recommended (above the land section)

Enclosure

Minimum size

Very large: a tank of at least 8–10× the shell length; several thousand litres for adult females, or a large indoor basin or pond – not for the living room

Substrate

Fine, non-abrasive sand (for burying)

Feeding

Food

Carnivorous – fish, worms, crayfish, snails, insects

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

females up to ~60–67 cm, males ~30–35 cm

Life expectancy

20–30 years and more

Origin

The south-eastern USA (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama)

Protection status

CITES Appendix II (Apalone, since 2023; previously Appendix III since 2016), EU Regulation Annex B; proof of origin required

Brumation

In warm areas they are active all year; northern animals overwinter – in captivity no true winter dormancy is usually needed

Cohabitation

Keeping them singly is essential – very aggressive towards its own kind and towards other turtles.

Notes

The largest softshell turtle in the USA – an enormous final size and a powerful bite. A delicate shell and skin → immaculate water, fine sand, and NO sharp-edged furnishings or exposed heaters (a risk of injury). Only for very experienced keepers with huge tanks.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica) – Expert
• Spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) – Expert
• Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) – Intermediate
• Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) – Intermediate
• Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) – Expert
• African softshell turtle (Trionyx triunguis) – Expert
• Asiatic softshell turtle (Amyda cartilaginea) – Expert
• Wattle-necked softshell turtle (Palea steindachneri) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (Very large: a tank of at least 8–10× the shell length; several thousand litres for adult females, or a large indoor basin or pond – not for the living room), substrate (Fine, non-abrasive sand (for burying)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.