Hatchling spiny softshell turtles (Apalone spinifera) don’t yet possess the “spines” on the fronts of their shells, above their heads, that will appear with age
Question: The name “spiny softshell” doesn’t make sense. There are no spines on my spiny softshell turtle.
Eric Unger, Birmingham, Ala.
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Hatchling spiny softshell turtles (Apalone spinifera) don’t yet possess the “spines” on the fronts of their shells, above their heads, that will appear with age.
Answer: I’ll venture a guess that your spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) is still a juvenile. If that’s true, the spines that give it the common name of “spiny” haven’t developed yet. Hatchlings are very smooth and closely resemble smooth softshells (A. mutica) to a high degree. Once they reach about 4 inches in shell length, you should start to be able to feel and see small, rough nubs along the front edge of the shell, above the head.
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The spines on this adult spiny softshell turtle earn this species its common name.
By the time your spiny softshell is showing signs of maturity, you may find you have a handful of a pet to house and handle. The spines are not a concern, but all the American softshell turtles can deliver a nasty bite.
