The Chinese softshell turtle is a species of turtle which is found mainly in中国, Korea, Japan, North Vietnam and俄罗斯。It was first described by Arend Friedrich August Wiegmann in 1835.
It is also referred to as theAsiatic soft-shelled turtle。如今，它在中国商业种植，主要用于食品。但是总人口正在逐渐减少。在下面阅读有关此乌龟的更多信息。
Table of Contents
Chinese Softshell Turtle Characteristics
中国软壳龟是一只中小型乌龟。它被称为'软壳‘因为它的甲壳缺乏角质sc（鳞片）。它有脚踏脚供游泳。
Their carapace is leathery and pliable, particularly at the sides. The central part of the carapace has a layer of solid bone beneath it, as in other turtles, but this is absent at the outer edges.
The light and flexible shell of the Chinese softshell turtle allows them move more easily in open water, or in muddy lake bottoms.
In terms of coloration, the carapace of these turtles is olive in color and may have dark blotches. The plastron is of orange-red color, and may also have large dark blotches.
The limbs and head are olive dorsally with the forelimbs lighter and the hind-limbs orange-red ventrally. The throat is mottled and there may be small, dark bars on the lips.
上有黑色的斑点head and dark lines that radiate from the eyes. A pair of dark blotches is found in front of the tail as well as a black band on the posterior side of each thigh.
平均而言，中国软壳乌龟的甲壳长度约为1英尺，它们的重量最高为6公斤。
The males are generally smaller in size than the females, and the females also have a slightly domed carapace. Photo and info fromWikipedia。
Feeding
中国软壳龟在很大程度上是食肉的。它的常规饲料包括鱼，蠕虫，甲壳类动物和昆虫。但是他们也可以吃沼泽植物的叶子和种子。
Breeding
The Chinese softshell turtle generally reach maturity within their 4-6 years of age. The mating generally occurs from March to September (they mate from May to July in Japan).
They mate at the surface or under water. A male will hold the female’s carapace with it’s forelimbs and may bite at her head, neck and limbs. The females may retain sperm for almost a year after copulation.
The females generally lay between 8 and 30 eggs in a clutch, and they may lay from 2 to 5 clutches each year. The females lay eggs in a nest that is about 3-4 inches across at the entrance.
Eggs are spherical and average about 20 mm in diameter. The eggs generally hatch after an incubation period of about 60 days (which can be longer or shorter depending upon temperature).
Uses
中国软壳龟主要用于食物。它在本地地区具有巨大的经济价值。
Special Notes
The Chinese softshell turtle is the most commonly raised species in China’s乌龟农场。It is an important food source in some Asian cuisines, and is extensively farmed.
It is mainly value for it’s flesh which is widely consumed throughout it’s range. It has also been introduced to man-made aquatic habitats in many parts of Southeast Asia.
These turtles are predominantly aquatic in habits, and are rarely seen out of water. Their natural diet comprises a wide range of aquatic invertebrates, fishes and vegetation.
中国软壳龟通常生活在淡水和咸水中。在中国，它们在湖泊，池塘，河流，运河和小溪中发现，潮流缓慢。
And they are found in marshes and drainage ditches in Hawaii. Currently, total population of these turtles is decreasing gradually.
And the wild populations are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. However, review full breed profile of the Chinese softshell turtle in the table below.
| Name | Chinese Softshell Turtle |
| 王国 | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Testudines |
| Family | Trionychidae |
| 属 | Pelodiscus |
| Species | Sinensis |
| Binomial Name | pelodiscus sinensis |
| 其他名称 | Asiatic soft-shelled turtle |
| Breed Purpose | 主要是食物 |
| Weight | Can reach up to 6 kg of live body weight |
| Special Notes | Largely carnivorous, their main feed includes fish, worms, crustaceans and insects, today raised mainly for food, and it is an important food source in some Asian cuisines, generally lives in freshwater or brackish water, today total population is decreasing gradually |
| 繁殖方法 | Natural |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Body Color | 这些乌龟的甲壳上有橄榄色，可能有深色斑点 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Availability | Mainly China, also Japan, Korea and Russia |
