Chinese softshell turtle: characteristics and information

The Chinese softshell turtle is a species of turtle found primarily in China, Korea, Japan, North Vietnam, and Russia. It was first described by Arend Friedrich August Wigmann in 1835.

This is also called Asian soft-shelled turtle. Today it is grown commercially in China and used primarily for food. But the total population is gradually decreasing. Learn more about this turtle below.

Characteristics of the Chinese softshell turtle

The Chinese softshell turtle is a small to medium sized turtle. It is called ‘softshellfor there are no horny shields (scales) on its carapace. It has webbed feet for swimming.

Their carapace is tough and flexible, especially on the sides. Under the central part of the carapace, like other turtles, there is a layer of hard bone, but it is absent at the outer edges.

The light and flexible shell of the Chinese softshell turtle allows it to move more easily in open water or in the muddy beds of lakes.

In terms of coloring, the shell of these turtles is olive in color and may have dark spots. The plastron is orange-red in color and may also have large dark spots.

The limbs and head are olive above, the forelimbs are paler, and the hindlimbs are orange-red below. The throat is uneven and there may be small dark streaks on the lips.

There are dark spots on the head and dark lines emanate from the eyes. A pair of dark spots in front of the tail, as well as a black band on the back of each thigh.

On average, the Chinese softshell turtle can reach a carapace length of around 1 foot and weigh up to 6 kg.

Males are generally smaller than females, and females also have a slightly bulbous carapace. Photos and information from Wikipedia.

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The Chinese softshell turtle is primarily carnivorous. Its usual diet includes fish, worms, crustaceans and insects. But they can also eat the leaves and seeds of marsh plants.

reproduction

Chinese softshell turtles usually reach maturity between 4 and 6 years old. Mating usually takes place from March to September (in Japan they mate from May to July).

They mate on the surface or underwater. The male holds the female’s shell with his forelimbs and can bite her head, neck and limbs. Females can store sperm for almost a year after copulation.

Females usually lay 8-30 eggs per clutch, and they can lay 2-5 clutches per year. The females lay their eggs in a nest about 3 to 4 inches in diameter near the entrance.

Eggs are spherical and average about 20 mm in diameter. The eggs usually hatch after an incubation period of around 60 days (which can be longer or shorter depending on the temperature).

Advantages

The Chinese softshell turtle is raised primarily for food. It has great economic value in its native region.

Special Notes

The Chinese softshell turtle is the most cultivated turtle species in China. It is an important food source in some Asian cuisines and is heavily cultivated.

It is mainly a value due to the meat, which is widely consumed throughout its range. It has also been introduced into artificial aquatic habitats in many parts of Southeast Asia.

These turtles are primarily aquatic in their habits and are rarely seen out of water. Their natural diet includes a wide range of aquatic invertebrates, fish and plants.

The Chinese softshell turtle is commonly found in fresh and brackish water. In China, they are found in lakes, ponds, rivers, canals and slow-flowing streams.

And in Hawaii, they live in swamps and drainage ditches. Currently, the total population of these turtles is gradually decreasing.

And wild populations are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. However, check out the full breed profile of the Chinese softshell turtle in the table below.

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