Scaly friends count too.
Spiny Softshell Turtle
Apalone spinifera
From North America, primarily the United States and Canada, with the eastern subspecies (Apalone spinifera spinifera) extending into Canada.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Females can weigh up to 11.7 kg; male weight not specified in sources.
Males reach up to 21.6 cm carapace length; females up to 54.0 cm.
Looks how to spot one
leathery carapace
This turtle has a flat, round, leathery shell that feels like sandpaper, especially in youngsters. The front edge of the shell has small, spiny bumps. The head and limbs are olive or grey with dark spots and yellowish stripes, and the nose is long and tubular. All four feet are fully webbed.312
Personality what they are like
Spiny softshells are wary and quick to hide, but if cornered they will stretch out their long necks and deliver a painful bite. They are not cuddly pets and are best suited to observation rather than handling.5
Daily activity how busy a day looks
They are diurnal and spend much of the day basking on logs or sandbars, or foraging in the water. They need plenty of swimming space and a sandy or muddy area where they can bury themselves.56
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
These turtles require excellent water quality and a large aquarium or pond. They do not need brushing, but their enclosure must be kept clean to prevent shell infections. They are not for beginners.4
Home where they are happiest
They need a large aquatic setup with soft, sandy or muddy substrate for burying, plus a basking area. Water should be deep enough for swimming (at least 60 cm) and include hiding spots. They are illegal to keep in some regions due to conservation concerns; always check local laws.34
Food basics what goes in the bowl
They are carnivorous and eat crayfish, aquatic insects, fish, worms, snails, and occasionally small amphibians. They hunt by ambush, burying themselves in the sand and grabbing prey that swims by.546
Company who they like around
They are solitary and can be aggressive towards each other, especially males. They are best kept alone. In some countries, they are protected or illegal to keep as pets due to over-collection for the pet trade.45
The story where it all began
Spiny softshell turtles have been collected from the wild for the pet trade and for food for many decades. Between 1999 and 2014, around 700,000 individuals were legally exported from the United States, many of them wild-caught. This has led to population declines and legal protections in parts of their range, such as Canada.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Spiny Softshell Turtle. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingHow often depends on species and agevaries
- Basking checkCheck the basking spot temperatureevery day
- Water changePartial water changeevery week
- Water testevery 2 weeks
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank waterevery month
- UVB bulb changeFollow the bulb maker's adviceevery 6 months
- Weigh inevery month
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Spiny Softshell Turtle?
Feeding frequency depends on the turtle's age and size. Furry Diary's starting plan notes that it varies, so it's best to ask a vet who sees exotic pets for a schedule tailored to your turtle. Furry Diary plan
What does a Spiny Softshell Turtle eat, and what should it never eat?
They are carnivorous and enjoy crayfish, aquatic insects, fish, worms, snails, and small amphibians. There is no specific list of foods to avoid in the information we have, so please ask your exotic-pet vet for guidance on what not to feed.546
How much space does a Spiny Softshell Turtle need?
They need a large aquarium or pond with deep water for swimming, at least 60 cm deep, and a soft, sandy or muddy area for burying. A spacious setup with hiding spots is essential for their well-being.34
What temperature, light or water does a Spiny Softshell Turtle need?
They require a basking spot with proper temperature and UVB lighting, plus clean, well-filtered water. Furry Diary's plan suggests checking the basking spot daily, changing water weekly, and replacing UVB bulbs every 6 months. For exact temperatures, consult a vet.34 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Spiny Softshell Turtle's home?
Furry Diary's plan recommends a partial water change every week, testing the water every two weeks, and rinsing the filter in old tank water once a month. Keeping the enclosure clean helps prevent shell infections. Furry Diary plan
Can a Spiny Softshell Turtle live with others?
They are solitary and can be aggressive, especially males, so they are best kept alone. This also helps avoid stress and injury.45
How long does a Spiny Softshell Turtle live?
With proper care, they can live up to 50 years, so this is a long-term commitment. They are fascinating to watch throughout their lives.45
Can I handle a Spiny Softshell Turtle?
Handling is not recommended, they are wary, quick to hide, and can deliver a painful bite if cornered. They are best enjoyed through observation rather than cuddling.5
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- canada.ca: chapter 3 canada.caused for origin, weight kg, coat or body, colours
- en.wikipedia.org: Spiny softshell turtle en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, coat or body
- canada.ca: chapter 2 canada.caused for weight kg, length cm, coat or body, colours, habitat needs, fun fact
- ontario.ca: spiny softshell recovery strategy ontario.caused for length cm, lifespan years, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history
- animaldiversity.org: Apalone spinifera animaldiversity.orgused for lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, diet basics, social needs, fun fact
- srelherp.uga.edu: spiny softshell srelherp.uga.eduused for activity needs, diet basics
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.