Shell Structure

Apalone spinifera, sometimes called the Sawback Turtle or Spiny Softshell Turtle, is unique among turtle species due to its shell shape. In contrast to the hard, bony shells seen in many other turtle species, the Spiny Softshell Turtle's shell is flattened and leathery looking. The turtle's softshell has evolved to make its swimming movements more fluid and agile by decreasing drag.

Spiny Softshell's exterior The two primary parts of a turtle are its shell and its backbone, or plastron. Turtles are protected from predators and environmental threats by the dorsal section of their shell, which is called the carapace. The turtle's "spiny" look is due to its rough texture, rough colouring (often olive to dark brown), and tiny, pointy projections along its edges.

Covering the turtle's abdomen and offering further defence for its internal organs is the plastron, the ventral part of its shell. Spiny Softshell Turtles are able to breathe and move about because of their pliable plastron, which is different from the hard, bony plastrons of other turtle species. The plastron usually has a smooth texture, tiny, irregularly formed scutes, and a colour range of pale yellow to light brown.

Spiny softshell turtles have a carapace and plastron that are joined by ligaments and joints that allow them to move freely. The shell is made of a mix of cartilage and bone. Because of their unusual anatomy, turtles can keep their sleek profile when swimming and diving and completely withdraw their heads and limbs within their shells when they feel threatened.

Age, sex, and region are a few of the variables that might affect the shell's size and form. Spiky Softshell Adult The shells of adult turtles are usually bigger than those of young turtles, and female turtles often have larger shells than males. Additionally, the form of the shell might vary somewhat from one turtle to the next; for example, some turtles may have more rounded carapaces or longer ones.

Beyond providing structural support and protection, the Spiny Softshell Turtle's shell performs a number of other important roles. In addition to insulating the turtle and helping to keep its internal conditions ideal, it helps regulate the turtle's body temperature. Thermoregulatory functions of the shell include positioning the turtle so it may either soak up or release heat from the sun or other heat sources.