Spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera)

Short answers

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

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

Spiny softshell turtle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C water (85–88 °F / above 30 °C can be fatal), basking spot 30–35 °C (land section), at night approx. 22 °C.

Spiny softshell turtle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended (above the land section).

Spiny softshell turtle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 25–50 years.

Spiny softshell turtle: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C water (85–88 °F / above 30 °C can be fatal)

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 very large tank (at least 8× the shell length; 100+ gal for subadults, considerably larger for adult females); fine sand

Substrate

Fine, non-abrasive sand (for burying)

Feeding

Food

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

Feeding interval

juveniles daily, adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

females ~21–44 cm, males ~13–24 cm

Life expectancy

25–50 years

Origin

North America (Canada, much of the USA, north-eastern Mexico); oxygen-rich rivers and lakes

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 outdoors; in captivity a slight rest period is optional

Cohabitation

Single housing – aggressive, 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

The young are very delicate; warm water (permanently above 30 °C) can be fatal. It needs clean, oxygen-rich, rather cooler water, fine sand and top-quality filtration; no sharp-edged objects. A large species with a powerful bite.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) – Expert
• Smooth softshell turtle (Apalone mutica) – 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 Spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (A very large tank (at least 8× the shell length; 100+ gal for subadults, considerably larger for adult females); fine sand), 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.