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    Apalone – North America softshell turtles

    The North-American branch of genus Trionyx, that they used to be included at

    These turtles can swim quickly and efficiently in open water or through muddy lake bottoms thanks to their light and flexible shells. They can outrun other turtles on land because their shells are so flexible.

    These turtles eat a variety of things but are primarily carnivores (insectivores, piscivores). Insects, crickets, worms, crayfish, fish, shrimp, and mussels are all on their menu. They may also consume algal stocks and other plant matter.

    Pollution, water diversion, fishers, habitat fragmentation, and coastal development that disrupt breeding grounds are the primary threats to this genus.