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Softshell Turtles |
| There are three species of softshells found in Florida:
Florida Softshell, Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell, and the Gulf Coast Spiny
Softshell.
All Softshells have a flattened, leathery carapace
with an underlying body shell in the center. The neck is very long
and the head is elongated with a long-snorkle-like snout. The jaws
are quite strong and sharp, having the shearing power of a snapping
turtle. The feet are broad and webbed for ease of movement in
water. Habitats include ponds, drainage ditches, and
muddy-bottomed lakes. They feed on frogs, fish, crustaceans, and
mollusks. |
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Florida Softshell Turtle - Apalone
ferox |
The Florida Softshell is large and may reach a length of 20
inches. Its carapace is oblong or oval and is dark brown in color with
faint irregular blotches. There is a series of bumps on the front edge,
behind the neck. The plastron is gray to white in color.
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