Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Today in my lps I saw a baby softshell turtle. It wasn't any bigger than two inches long. It's outer shell was a smooth looking caramel brown color. Nobody in the store knew what species it was. Just based on the color could someone tell me if it was a Florida Softshell turtle or a Spiny Softshell Turtle.

that sounds like the spiny softshell. the FLs an olive green with black spots. the spiny softshells are a tan, mud and caramel would be a good way to describe them. are you thinking of getting it? if you are im sure you know you should research a species before you get it, which it seems you are trying to do. i never used sand as a substrate, i tried but it clogged my filter and burnt out the impeller, and they did fine on gravel in deep water.

I'm not looking to get one. I was only interested in what species it was and this was the first time I ever saw a baby. I see these turtles quite often in pet stores and have always liked the way they look. Years ago I used to go to a pet store that had a two thousand gallon tank and it had a huge softshell swimming around in there with large South American fish species.

By the way...On September 25 "beladona" posted a picture of the turtle I saw. I found her picture after I had posted my message.

remember though that no one is supposed to sell turtles, tortoises, or terrapins under 4" as pets in the U.S.