Reptile

Florida softshell turtle Facts

Apalone ferox

Reptile

The Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) is a species of turtle in the family Trionychidae. The species is native to the Southeastern United States.

Diet: With a primarily carnivorous diet, adult Florida softshell turtles function as major predators in their aquatic ecosystems.
Lifespan: Up to 26.2 years (maximum recorded longevity)

Florida softshell turtle Facts at a Glance

The Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) is a species of turtle in the family Trionychidae. The species is native to the Southeastern United States.

It belongs to the family Trionychidae in the order Testudines. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.

Florida softshell turtle Conservation Status

Florida softshell turtle is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Lifespan: Up to 26.2 years (maximum recorded longevity)

Fun facts

In the water, it prefers to bury itself in the sandy/muddy substrate.
Like all softshells, it is very fast-moving in water and on land.
Sitting high on the trophic scale, they generally function as secondary or tertiary consumers.