Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Roughly two weeks ago I captured a hatchling spiny softshell in apparent good health. I initially housed he/she in a 10 gallon aquarium (6 to 7 gallons of water) with proper filtration, a basking spot, 5.0 UVB lighting along with a 60 W basking bulb, and small smooth rocks for substrate. The water temp. fluctuates from 77 F at night to 84 or 86 F during the day. I offered reptile sticks, guppies, and crickets with no success for the first week. So I decided to change the substrate to sand, and now I've witnessed he/she eating guppies and snails on several occasions and I'm also offering river shrimp.Now, my main concern is something I first realized today. While eating a guppy I noticed a white, flaky, skin-like film on the front edge of the shell and partially covering the neck. I assume that this is some kind of fungus and not shedding skin due to it's location on the shell. Is that a valid assumption? If so, what is the best course of action? I've read that the "dry-tank method" with a betadine solution rinse every day for a week or so, along with neosporin on the shell afterwards will do the trick. But I'm concerned that this regiment could be too stressful and/or harmful for a very young spiny. Are there any other reliable cures/treatments? The turtle is fairly active and doesn't seem to be ailing in any way, yet. I've read a lot online and I'm pretty worried considering all the fungal infection caused deaths I've come across.

Sorry for the novel, but I wanted to provide as much info as possible to help you experts, help me. Thanks in advance!

My best results have come from using a product called "Fungus Eliminator" made by Jungle Laboratories. It's marketed for ponds, but you just use a proportionally smaller amount for your aquarium. I have used it on snapping turtles several times and it works very well. I have also recommended it to others here at Kingsnake over the years and they also have had great results, one lady saying that I saved her turtle's life with it. Just use the correct amount. Don't be one of those people who think "If this much is good, twice as much will be twice as good." Good luck.

Also, don't forget that the "shell" of a softshell turtle is actually skin over a stiff but flexible frame. What you are seeing could actually be shedding skin from the growing turtle.

I've had amazing success with silver sulfadiazine - you'll need a prescription from the vet.

I leave the turtle out of the water for a couple of hours while I apply it. (dry the infected area first and apply liberally)

Also add some salt to the water.

I've used it several times with almost 100% success, but smaller turtles are more fragile.

Good Luck!!!