Characteristics:
     A large turtle, carapace over a foot in length. The shell of the softshell turtle is, indeed, soft. It has a very leathery feel to it and is not like any other turtles in the area except the smooth softshell. The portion of the carapace just above the head has a patch of small spines. The snout of the spiny softshell has a small ridge protruding into each nostril. The coloration of this turtle is mostly olive or tan with small dark blotches.

*Note: The spiny softshells in this area are considered to be the subspecies; eastern spiny softshell (A. s. spinifera).

Habitat:
   The spiny softshell prefers large lakes and rivers with a muddy or sandy bottom.


Behavior:
     This large and strange looking turtle is quick to hide from people and is lightning fast in the water. They have a very long neck and a "snorkel-like" nose that they use to remain underwater. Nesting season is in early summer. They eat aquatic invertebrates as well as fish. The softshell will sometimes act as an ambush predator, remaining partially buried in mud waiting for prey to swim by. This large turtle is considered a game animal in some states including MO, and has a daily limit on them.

Personal Remarks:
    This is my favorite turtle in this area. They just look so strange, how could you not be intrigued by these guys? They really are quite tricky to catch though. When in the water they can swim at an amazing speed and will be completely gone in seconds. When we do manage to catch them, we have to take great care not to get bitten. A bite from a turtle can be very painful and the softshells have a very long neck, so it is hard to keep away your hands from the mouth.