Smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica)

Short answers

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

A large tank (at least 8× the shell length; ~75–100 gal for subadults, considerably larger for adult females); fine sand.

Smooth softshell turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–25 °C water (not above ~28 °C – sensitive), basking spot 30–35 °C (land section), at night approx. 22 °C.

Smooth softshell turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended (above the land section).

Smooth softshell turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–30 years.

Smooth softshell turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–25 °C water (not above ~28 °C – sensitive)

Night temperature

approx. 22 °C

Basking spot

30–35 °C (land section)

Humidity

— (aquatic)

UVB

UVB recommended (above the land section)

Enclosure

Minimum size

a large tank (at least 8× the shell length; ~75–100 gal for subadults, considerably larger for adult females); fine sand

Substrate

Fine, washed, non-abrasive sand (for burying)

Feeding

Food

Carnivorous – insects, fish, crayfish, worms, amphibians; pellets

Feeding interval

juveniles daily, adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

females ~18–36 cm, males ~11–18 cm

Life expectancy

20–30 years

Origin

The central and eastern USA (the Mississippi system); flowing, oxygen-rich waters

Protection status

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

Brumation

A temperate species – northern animals take a winter rest; in captivity a slight rest period is optional

Cohabitation

Single housing – aggressive towards conspecifics, sensitive. The reason is territory: males ram and bite one another, and females are harassed so persistently during prolonged courtship that they visibly lose weight. Worn shell edges and bites on the hind legs are what you end up showing the vet.

Notes

It prefers clean, oxygen-rich, rather cooler water (with a current). A delicate shell and skin → fine sand, top-quality filtration, and no sharp-edged objects or exposed heaters. Smaller than A. ferox, but demanding.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) – 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 Smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a large tank (at least 8× the shell length; ~75–100 gal for subadults, considerably larger for adult females); fine sand), substrate (Fine, washed, 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.