The spiny softshell turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtle species in North America. Females are larger, but have a smaller tail and a smoother shell. A female spiny softshell turtle can grow between 7-19 inches, while males reach 5-10 inches.

Most turtles have hard, bony shells, while the spiny softshell turtle lacks bony plates and has a soft and leathery shell with sandpaper-like surface. The front edge of the upper shell also has little spines on it.

Feet are fully webbed as they spend most of their time in water.

The turtle’s coloration can differentiate depending on habitat as they blend into their environment.

Spiny softshell turtles are carnivorous, eating crayfish, insects, small fish, worms, molluscs, tadpoles, and frogs. They either hunt along the bottom of the water looking under objects or in clumps of vegetation, or hide in the mud and ambush passing prey.

It can either extend its nostrils to the surface to get oxygen or extract oxygen from the water through its skin allowing it to stay underwater for up to five hours.

Spiny softshell turtles will bask in the sun to regulate its body temperature.

Depending on where it lives, the turtle hibernates during winter deep in the water or mud where oxygen is high.