Chinese Softshell Turtle, lat. Pelodiscus sinensis- Pelodiscus sinensis distribution
Family: Trionychidae;
Genus: Pelodiscus;
Species and synonyms: Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis, Chinese Softshell Turtle, Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle, Chinesische Weichschildkröte).
GBIF:
Chinese Softshell Turtle (lat. Pelodiscus sinensis) is a species of freshwater turtle from the order Testudines, family Trionychidae, genus Pelodiscus. One of the most popular and accessible freshwater turtles in the aquarium hobby.
Distribution. The natural range of the Chinese Softshell Turtle covers rivers and lakes of East and Southeast Asia: China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and other countries. Turtles prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in rivers, lakes, canals and ponds with dense vegetation.
Care requirements. The Chinese Softshell Turtle is a large turtle that grows up to 20–30 cm in the aquarium and up to 35 cm in the wild. To keep a pair or a group, an aquarium of at least 300 liters with a length of 120 cm, with a wide shoreline area and powerful filtration, is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Powerful filtration, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are important. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, large driftwood and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants should have tough leaves or be potted.
Chinese Softshell Turtles are predators, feeding on small fish, invertebrates, worms and insect larvae in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality sinking pellets for turtles, live and frozen foods (fish, shrimp, mussels, bloodworms, worms). It is important to provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Chinese Softshell Turtles are active in the lower and middle water layers, often burying themselves in the substrate. They are territorial and aggressive towards conspecifics and other animals. It is recommended to keep them in a species-only aquarium. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving or small fish that will be perceived as food.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Chinese Softshell Turtles are egg-laying turtles, laying eggs on the shore in warm, moist sand. They reach sexual maturity at 5–6 years. To stimulate breeding, water changes and conditions for egg laying are recommended. Eggs incubate for 2–3 months at a temperature of 25–30°C.
The Chinese Softshell Turtle gets its name from its characteristic soft shell, lacking horny scutes, and three claws on each foot. The shell is olive-green or brownish with dark spots, the head is elongated with a mobile neck. It is one of the most aggressive and active freshwater turtles, requiring a spacious aquarium and careful care. Life expectancy is 20–30 years or more.