soft-shelled turtle

hlcroghan

hlcroghan

Active Member
I need as much information as anyone can tell me about these animals. I may be getting one in the next month or so........
Here is a little description....it is a light cream color, very friendly, eating goldfish (small). It is currently for sale at my LFS. The owners don't want to give it up because it so much fun but I may get it. It really is a neat animal. I know that they can be aggressive, they need full spectrum UV lighting, nothing sharp in the tank, a place where they can sit with their head out of the water to breathe ( I am thinking of building a ledge for it to sit on to get out of the water). They are almost completely aquatic and carnivorous but may eat plant roots occasionally. The LFS stated that it needed at least a 60 gallon but I am think of going 90 or 120 to be on the safe side........
anyone know anything about them??
oh and I named him Louis.....I don't know he just looked like one....
 
ophiura

ophiura

Active Member
Well, people do eat them
I have to admit I kinda thought similar for some reason.
I don't have a great deal of experience with them. They do get pretty big so a larger tank is a good plan. A diverse diet with insects, crayfish, etc would be good. they may need a soft subtrate.
 
sepulatian

sepulatian

Moderator
I have seen fresh water soft shell turtles, not salt. They do need to get out of the water to digest. They are similar to land turtles in that respect. BTW, they are not safe with ANY fish. That is their natural prey, they will eat roots and such if it is there.
 
hlcroghan

hlcroghan

Active Member
Sorry I didn't clarify...........lol. Yes they do eat them but I don't plan on eating this guy.........he is pretty cute honestly. They did tell me that you really can't keep them with any fish. And yes he is fresh water actually. I am struggling between saltwater fish and this turtle. I know everyone here loves saltwater fish but seriously this turtle is too adorable. Can you imagine eating anything named Louis??? Interestingly enough, the LFS keeps him in an all water tank so he doesn't get out of the water at all. That is kind of why I want to take him home. The aren't keeping him right. I am afraid that he will scratch himself and get an infection or something. I guess it is pretty common. And if they can't get out of the water then they will die eventually.
 
keri

keri

Active Member
They are super cute as juvies but grow VERY large, some reaching 2 or more feet (depending on the species) and they are very prone to fungal infections of the shell if their water isn't pristine. I wouldn't put one in less that a 120 or bigger but if you're willing to do the maintenance on them they make a unique pet.
Most of them like to burrow into the substrate so that all that sticks out is their head, and they are happier if you can keep the water level at a height where they can be buried and still stretch to reach the surface.
I don't know if they required UVB lighting or not but a nice basking spot with a heat lamp is always appreciated.
 
hlcroghan

hlcroghan

Active Member
Well, it did state in some of the research that I did that a full spectrum light can help them to heal any scratches or injuries much easier. It is why many people make them ponds outside......so they can sit in the sun. I think I will just play it safe and not put anything really rough or sharp in the tank. At the pet store they have him swimming around in the tank like a fish. He is very active. Prolly because he can't rest at all though. He is about a foot across right now so I don't think he is very young.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
my two favorites:
Fried Soft Shell Turtle
2 lbs. turtle meat, cut into 2-4 inch pieces
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp. milk
2 eggs, separated
2 tsp. Bacon fat
1/8 tsp. salt
I pt. Wesson oil
Combine turtle, vinegar, and 1 tsp. salt. Cover with water; simmer 1 hour or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Combine flour, milk, egg yolks, olive oil, and 1/8 tsp. salt; mix well. Beat egg whites until stiff; fold into batter.
Dip turtle pieces into batter; fry until golden brown in deep oil heated to 375 degrees F. Drain well on paper towels. Yield: 4-6 servings.
AND:
Fried Cooter (Soft-Shell Turtle)
Combine turtle, vinegar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover with water; simmer 1 hour or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Combine flour, milk, egg yolks, olive oil, and 1/8 teaspoon salt; mix well. Beat egg whites until stiff; fold into batter.
Dip turtle pieces into batter; fry unti golden brown in deep oil heated to 375 degrees. Drain well on paper towels.
Your Fried Cooter (Soft-Shell Turtle) is ready. Bon appetit!
 
hlcroghan

hlcroghan

Active Member
i for sure will Alyssa. i am pretty sold on him......what a great personality too. And I don't appreciate the turtle recipes!!

hopefully he is still there in a few weeks when I am ready. they said a lot of people have wanted him but the managers don't want to sell him so they have said no but they really like me so we will see.
 
alyssia

alyssia

Active Member
Originally Posted by hlcroghan
http:///forum/post/2892128
i for sure will Alyssa. i am pretty sold on him......what a great personality too. And I don't appreciate the turtle recipes!!

hopefully he is still there in a few weeks when I am ready. they said a lot of people have wanted him but the managers don't want to sell him so they have said no but they really like me so we will see.
I love turtles...don't know squat about them though, other than to stay away from the snappers we have in our creek.
 
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