The Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), formerly known as Trionyx sinensis,^[4] was described by Wiegmann in 1835. The species is also referred to as the Asiatic Soft Shelled Turtle.

There is a subspecies japonicus which is sometimes erroneously listed as Pelodiscus japonica.

Characteristics

The Chinese softshell turtle can reach a carapace length of 1 foot (30.3 cm). It has webbed feet for swimming. They are called "softshell" because their carapace lacks horny scutes (scales). The carapace is leathery and pliable, particularly at the sides. The central part of the carapace has a layer of solid bone beneath it, as in other turtles, but this is absent at the outer edges. The light and flexible shell of these turtles allows them to move more easily in open water, or in muddy lake bottoms.^[5]

Diet

It forages at night, taking crustaceans, molluscs, insects, fish, and amphibians.

Behavior and adaptations

These turtles carry a gene which produces a protein that allows them to expel urea from their mouths. This adaptation helps them survive in brackish water by making it possible for them to urinate without drinking too much salty water. They simply rinse their mouths in the water in order to urinate.^[6][7]

Habitat

Chinese softshell turtles live in brackish water^[6]. With their long snout and tubelike nostrils, these turtles can "snorkel" in shallow water. When resting, they lie at the bottom, buried in sand or mud, lifting their head to breathe or snatch at prey.

Distribution

The Chinese softshell turtle is found in China (including Manchuria and Taiwan), North Vietnam and Japan.^[8]

It is difficult to determine its native range due to the long tradition of use as a food and "tonic"^[9] and subsequent spread by migrating people.^[10] The Chinese soft-shelled turtle has been introduced to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor, Batan Islands, Guam, some of the Hawaiian Islands,^[11] California, and Virginia.^[12]

Reproduction

17 to 28 eggs are laid per clutch, two to four times a year.

Animal husbandry

The Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is the turtle species raised on China's turtle farms. According to the data obtained from 684 Chinese turtle farms, they sold over 91 million turtles of this species every year; considering that these farms represented less than half of the 1,499 registered turtle farms in China, the nationwide total could be over twice as high.^[13]

These turtles can be injured if they are dropped or hit, and are susceptible to shell fungus. Within Europe, the turtle is a popular pet, particularly in countries such as Italy and the Czech Republic.

Turtles as human food

Turtle soup is made from this species.

References