All comparisons

Florida Softshell Turtle vs Spiny Softshell Turtle

How does the Florida Softshell Turtle compare to the Spiny Softshell Turtle? They are both members of the Trionychidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

Florida Softshell Turtle
Spiny Softshell Turtle

Side-by-side comparison

Florida Softshell Turtle
Spiny Softshell Turtle
Scientific name
Apalone ferox
Apalone spinifera
Classification
Reptile
Reptile
Family
Trionychidae
Trionychidae
Habitat
Freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and marshes
Freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams with sandy or muddy bottoms
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Least Concern
Least Concern
Lifespan
20-30 years
20-50 years
Weight
6-13 kg (13-29 lbs)
3.0-10.0 kg (6.6-22.0 lbs)

Florida Softshell Turtle vs Spiny Softshell Turtle: who would win?

Florida Softshell Turtle

Florida Softshell Turtle

6-13 kg (13-29 lbs)

VS
Spiny Softshell Turtle

Spiny Softshell Turtle

3.0-10.0 kg (6.6-22.0 lbs)

Florida Softshell Turtle has the edge moderate confidence

Florida Softshell Turtle is somewhat heavier (6-13 kg (13-29 lbs) vs 3.0-10.0 kg (6.6-22.0 lbs)), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are reptiles.
  • Both belong to the Trionychidae family.
  • Both have a carnivore diet.
  • Both are listed as Least Concern.

Differences

  • Habitat: Freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and marshes vs Freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams with sandy or muddy bottoms.
  • Weight: 6-13 kg (13-29 lbs) vs 3.0-10.0 kg (6.6-22.0 lbs).

Florida Softshell Turtle vs Spiny Softshell Turtle: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a Florida Softshell Turtle or a Spiny Softshell Turtle?

Florida Softshell Turtle has the edge. Florida Softshell Turtle is somewhat heavier (6-13 kg (13-29 lbs) vs 3.0-10.0 kg (6.6-22.0 lbs)), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a Florida Softshell Turtle and a Spiny Softshell Turtle?

Florida Softshell Turtle and Spiny Softshell Turtle differ in several ways — habitat: freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and marshes vs freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams with sandy or muddy bottoms. weight: 6-13 kg (13-29 lbs) vs 3.0-10.0 kg (6.6-22.0 lbs).

Do Florida Softshell Turtle and Spiny Softshell Turtle live in the same habitat?

No — Florida Softshell Turtle lives in freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and marshes, while Spiny Softshell Turtle is found in freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams with sandy or muddy bottoms.

What do Florida Softshell Turtle and Spiny Softshell Turtle eat?

Both Florida Softshell Turtle and Spiny Softshell Turtle have a carnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the Florida Softshell Turtle or the Spiny Softshell Turtle?

Florida Softshell Turtle is listed as Least Concern, while Spiny Softshell Turtle is listed as Least Concern.

How big are Florida Softshell Turtle and Spiny Softshell Turtle?

Florida Softshell Turtle weighs around 6-13 kg (13-29 lbs), while Spiny Softshell Turtle weighs around 3.0-10.0 kg (6.6-22.0 lbs).

Florida Softshell Turtle

Full profile

Florida Softshell Turtle

Spiny Softshell Turtle

Full profile

Spiny Softshell Turtle