Chinese Softshell Turtle

The Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), also known as the Chinese softshell terrapin, is a species of aquatic turtle that is popular among exotic pet enthusiasts. The Pelodiscus sinensis turtle belongs to the Trionychidae family, which is known for including several species of softshell turtles. In this article, we will explore more about this fascinating turtle, including its distribution, reproduction, most notable features, habits and behavior, and current conservation status. This species shares its continent with the Chinese turtle.

Distribution

The distribution of the Pelodiscus sinensis turtle extends through central and eastern China, except for the regions of Xinjiang, Ginghai, Ningxia, and Tibet. It can also be found on the islands of Hainan and Taiwan, as well as in northern Vietnam. It has been introduced to Thailand, Japan (specifically the Bonin Islands), and Hawaii.

Characteristics

This turtle has an oval, flat shell with a slightly raised edge over the neck and legs. Some individuals have small tubercles in this area.

Its overall color is dark grayish-brown or even yellowish. Its skin appears thin and the bony parts are poorly developed. The plastron is white or yellowish and has seven visible callosities.

The head is medium-sized, with a short nose (upturned in shape), conical at the base and tubular at the tip. The head and legs are brown or olive, with some dark lines decorating the head. The throat and underside of the legs are light, with a vermiculated appearance under the neck. The lips are thick and fleshy, with sharp jaws. Males are smaller than females, and the latter usually have a more domed shell.

Hatchlings have an almost round olive-colored carapace, with black ocelli surrounded by light yellow and several longitudinal lines of small tubercles. The plastron can be white, yellow, orange, or even red, with large black spots that disappear quickly, and white spots surrounded by dark on the sides of the head and neck. A dark line extends between the orbits, while another descends from the front angle of the eye to the upper jaw.

Subspecies

So far, no subspecies have been designated for the Pelodiscus sinensis turtle. However, some authors highlight morphological differences between populations from southern China and those from the islands, as well as a distinct carapace form marked with black ocelli (round spots) in Vietnam.

Habits

This turtle has the ability to occupy various aquatic habitats, such as slow-moving rivers, canals, rice paddies, ponds, and swamps. It is often seen basking on the banks, but can also spend a lot of time buried in mud or silt. Some populations are more aggressive than others, such as those from the Red River in Vietnam.

The turtle is capable of excreting a foul-smelling liquid from two small pores on the front edge of the carapace, although it apparently uses this ability very rarely.

How big is the Chinese softshell turtle?

The Chinese softshell turtle is a small species that rarely exceeds 35 cm in length including its head. In the southern region, its size appears to be even smaller, with a maximum size of 25 cm.

What does the Chinese softshell turtle eat?

The turtle is carnivorous and feeds on a wide variety of prey, such as fish, crustaceans, bivalve mollusks, insects, worms, and larvae. It can also ingest seeds, leaves, and other plants. It is a very active turtle, a good swimmer, and has a strong temperament, which leads it to bite when handled.

Reproduction

Depending on conditions, turtles can hibernate when water temperature drops below 15°C. The age at which they reach sexual maturity varies by region. In Vietnam, turtles reach sexual maturity at 3 years, while in China they do so at 4 years and in Japan it takes up to 5 or 6 years to reach maturity. In breeding farms, turtles can reproduce after the first year, once they reach a weight of about 1 kg.

Males are constantly in heat and the mating ritual is brief. The male grabs the female tightly and they mate for a few minutes, biting aggressively. These actions have mainly been observed in captive populations.

Turtles can lay multiple clutches and may do so almost year-round, most frequently between March and November. The nests made by the Chinese softshell turtle, which usually have an average depth of 15 cm, contain 10 to 35 spherical eggs that are white and about 2.5 cm in diameter. The incubation period lasts from 40 to 80 days, depending on latitude.

Although a birth has been recorded after 28 days, which would be the minimum incubation time. Sex determination does not appear to depend on temperature. The hatchlings can grow very quickly, probably to escape predators. In breeding farms, juveniles aged 5 to 8 years can gain up to 1 kg in weight after just one year of fattening.

Conservation status

The species is highly valued for its meat throughout the Asian region, which has led to the farming of millions of individuals in China, Thailand, and Vietnam. In China, farmers raise them in small ponds in a similar way to chickens and rabbits. In fact, in China, they are commonly sold and consumed like poultry. Even supermarket companies, which may run 30 supermarkets in China, sell live turtles that are cut according to the consumer's preferences. Although some athletes believe that the blood of this species gives them strength, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Unfortunately, in the wild, these turtles are in a vulnerable state and their habitats are transformed or altered. In some parts of China, they only exist in breeding farms, as in Vietnam. The natural status of the species must be assessed to understand the threats it faces. It is considered a vulnerable species.

This species of turtle can be purchased at exotic pet stores in Spain.

Chinese Softshell Turtle Photos

Here is the image gallery of Pelodiscus sinensis:

Other species of aquatic turtles

There are various species of freshwater turtles in the world, each with unique characteristics. For example, the snapping turtle, native to North America, is known for its powerful bite. The map turtle, native to South America, has a flattened shell and an omnivorous diet. The red-eared slider, native to the southern United States and northern Mexico, is popular as a pet.

Accessories for freshwater turtles