Oddballs

Two other unusual turtles also live in the river and springs.

Florida Chicken Turtle
Deirochelys reticularia

ID:
  • long neck with many yellow stripes wide mouth
  • carapace length**: female 9.8" (249mm); male 6.2" (157mm)

Habitat: rare in river and springs
Diet: carnivore, specializing on crayfish and insects
Nesting Season: March - September

  • basks rarely

    • Florida Chicken Turtle

Florida Softshell Turtle
Apalone ferox

ID:
  • long neck
  • leathery carapace
  • snorkel nose
  • carapace length*: female 19.9" (505mm); male 11.9" (303mm)

Habitat: rare in river and springs
Diet: carnivore
Nesting Season: May - July

  • diurnal
  • basks rarely
  • fastest swimming turtle in the Santa Fe River
  • take from the wild prohibited May 1 to July 31 [Rule 68A-25.002(9)]

    • Florida Softshell Turtle

     

    Snorkel nose

     

    Plastron