Hi,

I have some softshells of my own but this is the first time I am posting on this forum. I agree with the other posters when they say you should not release them once they've been taken but I can't say I haven't been guilty of that before. I have kept turtles caught from the wild and then released them back to the same place or another place like it when I was a child. The threat of introducing diseases to an established population exists because it has happened before. As a rule, it's not the best idea for the turtle or other turtles already living there (think of all the Red-eared sliders found in places they are not native to...northern states, Europe, Asia, etc). If you want, you can sell/give them to somebody else..there are many people who want turtles.

As for your turtle's shell, softshells are prone to fungal infections is not kept in a totally clean environment. If they get an abrasion, it could easily expand and infect other regions or other turtles. Some keepers find if you keep their water a bit more acidic, fungus usually isn't a problem. Without a clear picture ( I don't think yours worked), I can't say exactly what it is. It might even just be the turtle advancing in age. A trip to a vet should clear it up; otherwise, can you post more pictures?

Johnny

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