Difference Between Male & Female Florida Softshell Turtles

Florida softshell turtles are a species of turtle found in freshwater from South Carolina to the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. They are characterized by a flat, leathery shell and a tubular pig snout. The differences between the female and male of the species is limited to size and strength of tail.

  1. Florida Softshell Physical Characteristics

    • The juvenile turtle has very distinguished markings. It is tan and olive in color with dark, round spots and yellow, orange and red stripes on its head and shell. Adults of the species are brown and tan on the topside with cream and white underbellies. The turtle has a long neck. Front-set eyes give the turtle binocular vision. A tubular, pig-like snout gives the turtle's face a pointed look. However, the turtle mostly breathes through a membrane in its neck that allows for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in water. The turtle's shell is a flexible, smooth leather.

    Physical Difference Between Male and Female

    • The physical differences between male and female Florida softshell turtles are few. The female of the species grows nearly twice as long as the male. The males can reach 14 inches in length whereas the female can reach 24 inches in length. The males have a thicker, longer tail than the female.

    Diet

    • The Florida softshell turtle eats an omnivorous diet. Meals can include snails, insects, crustaceans, amphibians, fish, algae, aquatic plants and small aquatic birds. This turtle is known for hiding under sand and mud, with head exposed, to catch prey.

    Speed

    • Unlike the slow-moving nature of many turtles, the Florida softshell turtle defies turtle stereotypes by moving incredibly fast. They can beat out predators by moving quickly on land and in water, where they seek shelter beneath sand and mud.

    Threats

    • Humans are the biggest threat to Florida softshell turtles. The turtle is a favorite catch for soups all over Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Gaming commission has limited the number of softshell turtles that can be caught on a given day to 20 by commercial fisherman and five by recreational fisherman. The turtle is caught using trot line. Because the Florida softshell turtle takes 10 years to reach maturity, it is uncertain whether the limitations placed on commercial fishing will give the turtle sufficient time to replenish from fishing.