The Chinese softshell turtle hails from mainland China (Inner Mongolia to Guangxi, including Hong Kong) and Taiwan, with reports of escaped individuals who have established introduced populations in a variety of other Asian countries, as well as in Spain, Brazil, Hawaii, mainland United States, and more. In their native China they face the threats of over-collection and over-harvesting for the food trade, disease, as well as habitat loss and destruction. These turtles are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, again, in their native China. Elsewhere they are considered invasive species. Their population trend is listed as decreasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Pelodiscus sinensis
Weight: Up to 13.2 lbs.
Length: Up to 13 inches
Lifespan: Up to 40 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Being 1 of the world’s most economically important turtle, millions are now farmed, especially in China, to support the food industry.
2.) They’re called “softshells” because their carapace (shell) lacks horny scutes (scales). The carapace is leathery and pliable, especially along the sides.
3.) It’s challenging to determine the precise native range of these turtles due to the long tradition of their use as a food and traditional medicinal, as well as subsequent spread by migrating people.
4.) In the locations where these turtles aren’t native, they have become a pest and invasive species, endangering various indigenous turtle species in areas where they have been introduced and destabilizing numerous ecosystems.
5.) They can dwell in both fresh and brackish (partially salty) canals, creeks, lakes, ponds, and rivers with slow currents.
But wait, there’s more on the Chinese softshell turtle!
6.) Crustaceans, fish, mollusks, insects, and marsh plant seeds are all readily consumed.
7.) They often submerge their head in water. This is because they carry a gene which produces a protein that allows them to secrete urea from their mouths. This adaptation helps them to survive in brackish water by making it possible for them to excrete urea without drinking too much salty water.
Did you know…?
In 2024, this turtle species was even found in the Merrimack River in Massachusetts.
8.) While eliminating urea by urinating through its cloaca as most turtles do, which involves significant water loss, these turtles simply rinse their mouth in the water.
9.) Females produce up to 5 clutches of up to 30 eggs per clutch each season.
10.) Unlike other turtles, gender of the hatchlings is not determined by incubation temperature. Gender is randomly generated.
But wait, there’s still more on the Chinese softshell turtle!
11.) These turtles have become increasingly vulnerable to multiple bacterial diseases, such as bacterial softshell disease, resulting in slower growth and increased fatality.
12.) The mass farming and release of these turtles has been known to lead to hybridization producing numerous other unique Pelodiscus lineages, some of which might be distinct species, which in turn threatens their gene pool. This is known as genetic pollution.
13.) In a 2018 interview with Le Monde, Nintendo character designer Yōichi Kotabe confirmed that this species of turtle inspired the design for Bowser, the main antagonist of the Mario Brothers franchise. Kotabe picked this species because of their aggressive nature.
Now a Short Chinese Softshell Turtle Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
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