Did you know The Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle comes from the Trionychidae (tri-onych-i-dae) family. It's one of the largest freshwater turtle species in North America.

 Spiny Softshell Turtles are usually found in most parts of the United States meaning right here in Ohio. If you ever would like to locate one look for sandy bottoms of large rivers, ponds, and streams. Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtles can be located in Canada and Mexico as well. 

The most known feature of the Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle is its, spiny cone like edges on its shell that looks like scales, that are normally yellow or brown.

    Males and young turtles have olive or grayish tan upper shells with black dots and,  black lines along the margin. Males are usually between 5-9.2 inches long. 

   Females have a dark olive and tan upper shell with brown and gray blotches. Females are usually 6.5-18 inches long. 

Characteristics 

Eastern Spiny Softshell turtles lack in  having a hardshell. They defend themselves with their strong jaws, and sharp claws to defend against being picked up by larger predators . 

The Eastern Softshell Turtles are great swimmers. They have a long and piglike nose and webbed feet so they can move fast in the water. 

Diet & Habitat 

Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle are found in sandy bottoms of large rivers, ponds, and streams. 

They enjoy eating crayfish, insects, snails, tadpoles, and fish . 

Spiny softshells turtles begin mating between the ages of 8-10 years old. They usually mate in mid to late spring in deep water . Females can lay anywhere from 9 to 38 eggs which are laid around July and September.