 |  |
SOFT SHELLED TURTLES ( TRIONYCHIDAE )
There are several sub-species, these include,
Black ray soft shell, Spiny soft shell, Chinese soft shell, Guadalupe soft shell.
Soft Shelled Turtles just as their name depicts has a soft 'leathery' shell and is therefore more prone to infections from bites and cuts.
A bit more care is required therefore its not a beginners turtle.
They have a very long neck and a crocodile like head, the carapace (upper shell) doesn't have scutes, instead it is smooth and leathery.
The jaws have soft, lip like flesh, but don't let this fool you, as they can give a nasty bite!!!!! When taken out of water they can become very aggresive
Males grow to around 5"-9" long and females to around 6.5"-18" yes 18" long!!!!!
Enclosure
An internal/external filter pump.
A submersible heater with a heater guard.
UV-B lighting (repti-sun 5.0 or 10.0).
A basking area with floodlight.
River sand is an ideal substrate as the young like to bury themselves.
Temperatures
Water Temperature............75-78 degrees.
Basking Temperature..........80-90 degrees.
Air Temperature................78-84 degrees.
Feeding
Juveniles will feed on bloodworms.
Adults.....Reptomin pellets, small insects, krill, worms, prawn, shrimp and sometimes vegetation, romaine/
endive lettuce.
Feed once daily for juveniles and 2-3 times weekly for adults.
A varied diet is recommended.
