🐊 reptile

Florida Softshell Turtle

Apalone ferox

Least Concern

North America's largest softshell turtle with a flat, leathery shell. An excellent swimmer and aggressive predator commonly seen in Florida lakes and rivers.

Size medium

Habitat freshwater

Diet Fish, snails, crayfish, insects, frogs

Colors brown, green

Behavior

Buries in mud or sand on lake bottoms with only snout exposed. Surprisingly fast on land. Can be aggressive when handled.

⚠️ Safety

Can deliver a painful bite. Do not handle. If relocating from a road, use a shovel or wear thick gloves. Pick up from the rear.

Fun Facts

Can breathe through their skin when submerged
Females can reach 24 inches — much larger than males
Their soft shell allows them to be highly flexible
Can bite with incredible force — handle with extreme caution

Where to See

Lake Okeechobee

lake

Florida's inland sea — the largest freshwater lake in the southeastern US. World-class largemouth ba...

St. Johns River

river

One of the few north-flowing rivers in North America. 310 miles of diverse ecosystems from marshes t...

Lake Kissimmee

lake

Part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Outstanding trophy bass fishing. Connected to the northern Eve...

Identify This Species

Use our Species Identifier to learn how to distinguish the Florida Softshell Turtle from similar species.