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The namesake spines are found along the anterior border of the carapace and are more commonly found in males. The variation in coloration, size, and spine presence indicates that this species exhibits sexual dimorphism.
The spiny softshell turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtle species in North America. They can be distinguished from other turtle species by their carapace. Unlike most other turtles, their shell is soft, flat, and rubbery. The edges of the carapace are pliable with small spines (males have more than females).
9 lis 2023 · The limbs of the spiny softshell turtle are paddle-shaped with webbed feet, well-suited to its aquatic environment, and males generally have thicker and longer tails compared to the females. Females, however, are notably larger in overall size than males.
Spiny softshell turtles have a polygynandrous (promiscuous) mating system which means that both males and females have multiple partners in a single breeding season. They mate in mid-to-late spring in deep water.
20 maj 2019 · You need at least a 75 to 100-gallon tank for male spiny softshell turtles. For females, you need a 400-gallon to 600-gallon stock pond or similar. The pond setup for the female needs to be at least 4 feet deep as well, as depth is just as important as how many gallons.
Most male spiny softshell have small tubercles covering part of the carapace, giving it a sandpaper-like feel, while typical females have a predominantly smooth carapace (Conant and Collins, 1998; Stebbins, 2003; Werner et al., 2004; Ernst and Lovich, 2009).
Most male Eastern spiny softshell have tiny spine-like projections (known as tubercles) covering part of the carapace, giving it a sandpaper-like feel, while typical females have a smooth carapace (Conant and Collins, 1998; Stebbins, 2003; Werner et al., 2004; Ernst and Lovich, 2009).