- Where to see one
- 4 U.S. zoos in our directory hold spiny softshell turtle, confirmed against each zoo's own animal list.
Conservation status
Not Evaluated
This species has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List, so it sits outside the threat scale entirely.
About the spiny softshell turtle
The spiny softshell turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in North America and the most widely distributed softshell turtle on the continent. Its leathery, flexible carapace lacks hard scutes, and the cone-like spines on the front edge give the species its name. It lives in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams across much of the United States, reaching into Ontario and Quebec and northern Mexico. A bottom-dwelling feeder, it eats crayfish, aquatic insects, fish, mussels and plant material, either hunting actively or burying itself in sand to ambush prey. Carapace length ranges from 18 to 54 cm, with females growing larger than males.
Spiny Softshell Turtle facts
- It is a bimodal breather, able to exchange gases both by breathing air and underwater.
- Males and females differ in size, colour and spines, and females grow larger.
- Ridges on its nasal septum make its nostrils C-shaped.
- A large female may live up to 50 years.
Where to see spiny softshell turtle in the U.S.
4 zoos across 3 states
Find the closest one
Rank the 4 zoos holding spiny softshell turtle by how far they are from you. Your location is used in your browser to sort this list and is never sent to us.
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Built from each zoo's own published animal list.
