Spiny Softshell Turtle

Apalone spinifera or the Spiny Softshell Turtle is one of the largest species of turtle to live in freshwater areas. This species gets its name from distinctive spines along the edge of its shell, and the leathery, more flexible shell compared to other turtle species. It lives in a large portion of U.S., covering a large area around the Mississippi River and stretching into Canada and Mexico as well, although this large habitat is partially caused by human efforts instead of the turtle's natural range. They prefer to live in areas with slow moving water, where they feed on a variety of sources including algae, plants, crayfish, insects, and mussels; they can actively pursue their prey, or bury themselves in sand to ambush their food. These turtles also migrate between the seasons, staying within a set zone of about 6.7 miles and moving around depending on whether it is a hot or cold season. While prefering to live in clear, shallow water, they are also capable of diving up to 33 feet, aided by their ability to exchange oxygen while under the water. Unlike other turtle species, they have a larger dependence on underwater respiration so they tend to seek out areas that have large amounts of oxygen in the water, so they do not adapt well to variations in underwater oxygen levels.