Are there softshell turtles in the Yangtze River?
The Yangtze giant softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) also known as the Red River giant softshell turtle, Shanghai softshell turtle, Swinhoe’s softshell turtle or speckled softshell turtle (Chinese: 斑鱉; Pinyin: bān bīe) is an extremely rare species of softshell turtle found in China and Vietnam.
What are the threats to the Florida softshell turtle?
Anthropogenic threats. The Florida softshell turtle is common throughout Florida and other parts of its range. However, wild populations are subject to various threats at the hands of humans. Some of these threats include commercial harvesting for meat, harvesting for the pet trade, and roadway mortalities.
Is there such a thing as a giant softshell turtle?
Although hard to compare due to the extremely small number of remaining specimens, its average and maximum sizes seem to exceed other large freshwater turtles such as alligator snapping turtles and related giant softshells such as other Rafetus and Pelochelys species.
When does a Florida softshell turtle produce sperm?
The reproductive cycle of male Florida softshell turtles follows a postnuptial pattern, with a cycle of spring mating followed by spermatogenesis in the fall. The male will produce sperm during the fall and store that sperm in the epididymides through the winter.
The Yangtze giant softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) also known as the Red River giant softshell turtle, Shanghai softshell turtle, Swinhoe’s softshell turtle or speckled softshell turtle (Chinese: 斑鱉; Pinyin: bān bīe) is an extremely rare species of softshell turtle found in China and Vietnam.
Although hard to compare due to the extremely small number of remaining specimens, its average and maximum sizes seem to exceed other large freshwater turtles such as alligator snapping turtles and related giant softshells such as other Rafetus and Pelochelys species.
Can a softshell turtle be eaten by an alligator?
In the wild, softshell turtles are a favorite meal for alligators. And even in captivity, these turtles are much more vulnerable to injury than other pet turtles because they lack a hard shell. Wounds and consequent infections are common in softshell turtles, along with ear infections and intestinal parasites.
What should you do if you have a softshell turtle?
Annual check-ups with an exotics vet are recommended so that you can have a fecal inspection. The vet will check for parasites, which can wreak havoc on a turtle’s immune system and overall health. Proper tank set up and water quality is the key to keeping a healthy softshell turtle.
