Florida Softshell (Flapjack)

Flapjack is Sarett Nature Center’s ambassador Florida Softshell Turtle. He has been living here for quite some time since someone donated him as a surrendered pet. They got the turtle as a gift and realized they were not experienced enough or have enough space to properly care for this turtle. Due to their large size they require a large habitat to live in. At Sarett, Flapjack lives in a pond enclosure with our Blanding’s Turtle, Emy. We have to use special grippy gloves when handling him because his shell is so slippery!

Florida Softshell Turtles have a streamlined body and webbed feet, which make them well-adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. They are excellent swimmers and spend much of their time submerged in water, where they hunt for prey and seek refuge from predators. Despite their soft and flexible shell, they are surprisingly agile and can move quickly both on land and in water. Florida Softshell Turtles are primarily carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey including fish, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and occasionally small mammals and birds. In the wild, these turtles typically live around 10 to 25 years, though they may live longer in captivity with proper husbandry. They can grow to impressive sizes, with adults reaching lengths of up to 30 to 50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches) or more. Females are generally larger and heavier than males. 

Florida Softshell Turtles are native to the southeastern United States, particularly found in states such as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. They inhabit various freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes, where they can find suitable food and shelter. Florida Softshell Turtles are carnivorous predators and require a diet rich in protein to thrive in captivity. In addition to live or frozen foods such as fish, shrimp, and insects, they may also consume commercial turtle pellets and occasional fruits or vegetables as treats. Florida Softshell Turtles are known for their unique hunting behavior. They are ambush predators and use their elongated necks and powerful jaws to strike at prey with lightning-fast speed. Their soft and flexible shell allows them to move quickly through water and effectively capture prey. Additionally, Florida Softshell Turtles are capable of burying themselves in mud or sand to wait for unsuspecting prey to pass by, making them highly efficient hunters in their aquatic habitats.