spiny softshell turtle
| Scientific name | Apalone spinifera |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | LeSueur |
| Year of description | 1827 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Trionychidae |
| Genus | Apalone |
Introduction
Apalone spinifera, commonly known as spiny softshell turtle, is a fresh water reptile from the North America.
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Who is it?
Morphology
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Type
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Female size25 - 54 cm
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Male size15 - 22 cm
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Motifponctuations
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Mimicryplants
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Longevity50 year
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Type
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Female size25 - 54 cm
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Male size15 - 22 cm
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Motifponctuations
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Mimicryplants
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Longevity50 year
How to recognize the spiny softshell turtle ?
The spiny softshell turtle measures around 15 cm. The females are more imposing and some specimens can reach 22 cm. This reptile is bicolore with a predominantly vert, marron and beige body. The also has noir ponctuations.
Sexual dimorphism
The female is bigger than the male.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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Sociabilitysolitary
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Way of livingdiurnal
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VenomousNo
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Dietpredator
The spiny softshell turtle is a reptile solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is carnivorous .
This species is territorial and does not appreciate the presence of intruders nearby, especially animals with similar behavior. It can also be virulent toward conspecifics. However, the spiny softshell turtle has little concern for non-territorial animals. In a constant quest for dominance, the dominant males of this species cannot stand each other. The battle between two individuals can be intense and violent. It will result in the submission and sometimes even death of one of the protagonists.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui enfouit ses œufs
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PolygamyYes
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Clutch size0 - 0 eggs
The spiny softshell turtle is a reptile ovipare qui enfouit ses œufs. In this species, the dominant males are polygamous and reproduce each season with several females. This reptile protects its eggs from nearby predators.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature1 - 30 °C
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FlowStrong, Medium and Slow
Biotope presentation
The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".
The spiny softshell turtle is most often found at a depth between 0m and 2m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
The spiny softshell turtle prefers well oxygenated waters in current areas and rapids. It frequents fast flowing waters where the bottom is strewn with pebbles, wood or leaves carried by the current. It can be found not far from waterfalls .
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
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Translation
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Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
