The Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox) is a large, common aquatic reptile native to the southeastern United States, primarily found throughout Florida. This species is the largest softshell turtle in North America. Its ultimate dimensions are strongly influenced by the significant difference in size between males and females.
Size Range and Sexual Dimorphism
The size of the Florida Softshell Turtle varies dramatically depending on the sex of the individual, a phenomenon known as sexual dimorphism. Adult females are considerably larger than males, often reaching three to five times the body mass of their male counterparts, and account for the species’ maximum recorded sizes.
The average adult male reaches a carapace length of approximately 35 centimeters (14 inches) and an average weight of about 2.68 kilograms (5.9 pounds). Males typically fall within a carapace length range of 15 to 33 centimeters. In contrast, nesting adult females average a carapace length of 40.1 centimeters (15.8 inches) and weigh around 6.65 kilograms (14.7 pounds).
The record straight-line carapace length has been documented at nearly 76 centimeters (29.9 inches). Record weights for these massive individuals have been documented up to 43.6 kilograms (96 pounds). Some reports even suggest weights exceeding 100 pounds for the largest specimens.
Rate of Growth and Maturation
The impressive dimensions of the adult female Florida Softshell are achieved through years of sustained growth, which is determined by the age at which an individual reaches sexual maturity. This timeline differs significantly between the sexes. Males mature at a relatively small size, sometimes reaching reproductive capability as young as two years of age.
Female turtles require a longer period to develop, with sexual maturity typically occurring between five and eight years of age. At this point, females have reached a plastron length of approximately 20 to 30 centimeters. Growth rates generally slow once reproductive maturity is achieved, but the large females continue to grow throughout their lives, albeit at a reduced pace.
Sustained growth is made possible by a long lifespan. While the maximum recorded lifespan in the wild is around 26 years, captive individuals have been known to live for over 36 years.
Unique Physical Characteristics
Unlike most turtles, this species possesses a cartilaginous carapace that is smooth and leathery to the touch, lacking the hard, bony scutes common to other turtles. The shell is notably flat, giving the turtle a distinctive “pancake” appearance.
A long, tubular snout that resembles a pig’s nose is another characteristic feature. This snorkel-like adaptation allows the turtle to remain almost entirely submerged while breathing at the water’s surface. The carapace is usually an olive green to dark brown color, making it the darkest of the softshell species found in Florida.
The underside, or plastron, is typically a white or cream color, providing countershading for camouflage in the water. Hatchlings and juveniles display more vibrant patterns, including spots and stripes, which fade as the turtle grows into its dark adult coloration.