Two decades would be a very minimal estimate for softshell survival WITH PROPER CARE, which is just a bit trickier that for hardshells because of the added risk of surface infection and fungus. With softshells, the leathery outer covering very often grows much faster than the underlying, much smaller bony shell because of dietary imbalances. Watch for "curling" of the edges and adjust the diet accordingly (usually needs more calcium). They also seem to be just a bit more susceptible to septic infections than many hardshells. I did not mean to be in any way "authoritarian" in estimate of longevity, because only a few, lucky individuals get the exact care needed for long-tern survival and many softshells die in a year or two, but I have had one for over twenty years and still going strong, although others have totally refused commercial food and perished in short order. If you can get your turtle on a good well-balanced commercial diet as a staple (plus treats, such as fish or earthworms) such as Reptomin, Mazuri or Wardley's, your prospects for survival are much better.

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