Chinese Softshell Turtle

Chinese Softshell Turtle key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

15-30 years

Size

Carapace to 33cm in females and 27cm in males; Japanese populations reach 38.5cm, with rare records to 60cm

Diet

Prepared pellets, fish, amphibians, crustaceans, molluscs and occasionally aquatic plants

Temperature & Humidity

It ranges across temperate and subtropical East Asia, and native Japanese populations hibernate. If heating the water, avoid sudden changes.

Enclosure

It buries itself, so keep it in an aquarium with a deep layer of fine sand. Powerful filtration is essential, and because it is prone to skin disease the water and substrate must be kept clean. Keep the water shallow enough for the snout to reach the surface and provide a basking area.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous with a strong carnivorous bias, taking fish, amphibians, crustaceans and molluscs. Captive animals accept prepared pellets. Overfeeding fouls the water quickly.

Temperament

Handled animals bite in self-defence. The jaws are powerful and the turtle tries to pull its head back under the shell while still holding on, so handle it with great care. Cannibalism occurs, so house it singly as a rule.

Notes

The species is not currently on any CITES appendix; China listed it on Appendix III in 2005 but the listing was later removed. It is neither a designated dangerous animal nor an invasive alien species in Japan. Native and farm-derived animals are already mixed in Japanese waters, so never release or abandon animals outdoors.

About Chinese Softshell Turtle

Chinese softshell turtles feature a soft, leathery shell and a burrowing, ambush lifestyle. A strong-biting species suited to intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Chinese Softshell Turtle

1. 1The Soft Shell Surface

   Unlike hard-shelled turtles, the Chinese softshell's shell surface is not keratinized and has a leathery, pliable texture. Because of this, tank decor and handling should be chosen carefully to avoid scrapes or injuries to the shell.

2. 2A Powerful, Cautious Bite

   This species has a strong bite and may snap when startled or provoked. Handle it calmly during routine care and maintenance, and avoid bringing hands too close without caution.

3. 3A Burrowing Nature

   It naturally buries itself in sand or mud at the bottom of the water to lie in wait for prey. Providing a substrate deep enough to burrow into lets it display this natural behavior — just remember to check on its condition even when it's out of sight.

4. 4Snorkel-Style Breathing

   It breathes by extending its long snout just above the water's surface, letting it take in air while staying hidden underwater. Watching this snorkeling behavior is one of the real pleasures of keeping this species.

5. 5Why It Suits Intermediate Keepers

   This species is rated as suited to intermediate keepers. Managing water quality and handling its bite risk are best approached by someone with some prior turtle-keeping experience rather than a first-time keeper.

6. 6Plan for Its Adult Size

   Adults reach a carapace length of up to about 33 cm in females and 27 cm in males. Some Japanese populations have recorded even larger sizes, so it's important to prepare housing that can accommodate its eventual adult size.

7. 7Preparing the Habitat in Advance

   Before bringing one home, set up a habitat suited to its natural behavior — burrowable substrate, a basking or land area, and filtration to maintain water quality. It's generally best kept as a single animal per enclosure.

Frequently asked questions about Chinese Softshell Turtle

Q.Does the Chinese softshell turtle bite?

A.Yes, it has a strong bite and may snap when startled. Handle it calmly during care and avoid bringing your hands too close without caution.

Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?

A.It's rated as suited to intermediate keepers rather than beginners, since water quality management and handling its bite require some prior experience.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Adults typically reach a carapace length of up to about 33 cm in females and 27 cm in males, with some Japanese populations recorded even larger.

Q.Why is the shell soft rather than hard?

A.Its shell surface lacks the hard keratinized layer seen in most turtles and instead has a leathery texture — the very trait behind its English name, "softshell."

Q.Is this species subject to any trade regulations?

A.This species is not listed under CITES.

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