Softshell turtles are unique creatures with their own behaviors, and it can be concerning if they spend most of their time underwater. Understanding why they stay submerged is important for their health and well-being.
The primary reason your softshell turtle stays underwater is to regulate its body temperature and breathe. These turtles can absorb oxygen through their skin and cloaca, allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods without coming up for air.
There are various factors that influence this behavior, from water temperature to natural instincts. We’ll break down what you need to know to ensure your turtle’s health and comfort.
Why Your Softshell Turtle Loves Being Underwater
Softshell turtles are aquatic creatures that are naturally built for life in the water. Unlike some other turtle species, softshells spend a lot of time submerged because it helps them regulate their temperature and breathe. These turtles have specialized skin that can absorb oxygen, so staying underwater is essential for their survival. This behavior also allows them to avoid predators, stay cool during warmer months, and maintain a stable environment for feeding.
Staying submerged isn’t always about oxygen, though. When they dive, they can access different areas of their habitat, such as hiding spots or places to forage for food. So, while it may seem like your softshell turtle is just “hiding,” it’s part of their natural routine.
Softshell turtles, like many reptiles, have a strong instinct to stay in environments where they feel safe. The water provides a sense of security, especially in the wild, where they might need to quickly escape threats like larger predators or humans. These behaviors are deeply ingrained and are often seen even in captive turtles, who replicate similar actions in aquariums or ponds. Knowing this can reassure you that their underwater preference is entirely normal and healthy.
Water Temperature and Its Impact
Softshell turtles are cold-blooded animals. This means their body temperature is influenced by the temperature of the water around them. When the water is too cold, they will spend more time submerged to maintain warmth.
The ideal water temperature for softshell turtles is between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C). If the water gets too cold, they may struggle to stay active, while excessively warm water can lead to stress. When your turtle feels comfortable, it will balance its time between basking and swimming.
Natural Instincts at Play
Softshell turtles are hardwired to behave this way. In the wild, they often remain submerged to avoid predators and maintain a comfortable environment. This is a survival strategy that helps them stay safe and healthy.
Being underwater also provides softshell turtles with the opportunity to rest and regulate their metabolic rate. Unlike land turtles, softshells do not need to leave the water as often. In fact, their physiology supports extended periods spent submerged, allowing them to keep energy levels balanced. This instinct to hide underwater is not just for safety; it’s a built-in method of managing their health.
By observing their habits, it becomes clear that these behaviors serve many purposes. While they may appear passive or even unresponsive, they are simply engaging in actions that help them thrive. Softshell turtles remain calm and stable in their aquatic environment, which supports their overall well-being.
Oxygen and Breathing
Your softshell turtle can breathe underwater, but in a different way than fish. They use both their lungs and skin to absorb oxygen, allowing them to stay submerged longer than many other turtle species.
When underwater, softshell turtles take in oxygen through their skin, which is highly permeable to gas exchange. The skin absorbs oxygen directly from the water, helping them stay submerged without needing to surface for air frequently. This is a remarkable adaptation for survival, especially in their natural aquatic habitats where they often spend a significant amount of time submerged. This behavior is also observed in certain species of amphibians, which have similar breathing mechanisms.
The Role of Water Quality
Water quality plays a significant role in your softshell turtle’s behavior. If the water is not clean, your turtle might stay submerged longer to avoid discomfort or contamination.
Softshell turtles are sensitive to changes in their environment. Poor water quality, such as high ammonia or low oxygen levels, can cause them to stay submerged more than usual. They instinctively stay under the water to avoid surface areas where water quality may be worse. Regular water changes and filtration help prevent this behavior, ensuring your turtle stays healthy and active.
Feeding Behavior
Softshell turtles often stay underwater while hunting for food. Their natural behavior involves searching the aquatic environment for small fish, insects, or aquatic plants.
When feeding, they are more likely to remain submerged as they locate and capture their prey. Their keen sense of sight and movement under the water helps them hunt more efficiently. Keeping their food in water or offering meals they can easily access underwater encourages natural behavior and reduces stress, leading to a happier, healthier turtle.
FAQ
Why does my softshell turtle stay underwater all the time?
Your softshell turtle stays underwater most of the time because it is in its natural habitat. The turtle feels safer and more comfortable underwater. It can also breathe through its skin and cloaca, allowing it to stay submerged for long periods. Staying underwater helps them maintain body temperature and avoid predators, which is crucial for survival. This behavior is completely normal and shows they’re acting according to their instincts.
Is it normal for softshell turtles to stay underwater for days?
Yes, it is normal for softshell turtles to spend extended periods underwater. They don’t need to come up for air as often as other turtles due to their ability to absorb oxygen through their skin. In the wild, these turtles are used to being submerged for long stretches. However, if your turtle stays underwater for unusually long periods, ensure the water temperature and quality are appropriate, as poor conditions could stress the turtle.
How often should my softshell turtle come up for air?
Typically, softshell turtles will come up for air every 30 minutes to an hour, but this depends on the water temperature and oxygen levels. If the water is too warm, the turtle may need to surface more often. If your turtle is staying submerged longer than usual, it could indicate the water needs better oxygenation or the temperature is too low.
What should I do if my softshell turtle stays underwater too long?
If your turtle stays underwater for an extended period and appears lethargic or unresponsive, check the water quality, including oxygen levels, temperature, and pH. Poor water conditions can cause stress, so proper filtration and regular water changes are key. Additionally, make sure there’s a basking area available, as turtles need to dry off and warm up in the sun or under a heat lamp.
Can softshell turtles drown?
Though rare, softshell turtles can drown if they become trapped or if the water quality or temperature is unsuitable. They rely on their ability to breathe through their skin and cloaca, but if there is a lack of oxygen in the water or if they can’t reach the surface for air, drowning becomes a risk. Always ensure there’s easy access to the surface and maintain proper water conditions to prevent this from happening.
Should I worry if my softshell turtle never basks?
If your softshell turtle never basks, it could indicate that the water temperature is too high or the basking area is unsuitable. Softshells typically enjoy basking, but they don’t do it as frequently as some other turtles. If they have a comfortable spot with a heat lamp or access to sunlight, they may bask, but if the water is warm enough, they may prefer staying submerged.
How can I encourage my softshell turtle to bask?
If you want to encourage your softshell turtle to bask, ensure the basking area is properly set up. This means providing a dry, elevated platform with a heat source like a basking light or UVB lamp. The temperature of the basking spot should be around 85°F to 90°F (29°C to 32°C). A proper basking setup will help your turtle feel comfortable coming out of the water.
Can I have too many softshell turtles in one tank?
Yes, overcrowding your tank can lead to stress, poor water quality, and fighting. Softshell turtles need adequate space to swim and bask. As they grow, they require more space to move freely. A general rule of thumb is to provide at least 10 gallons of water for every inch of turtle shell length. If you notice signs of aggression or a decrease in water quality, consider getting a larger tank or separating the turtles.
What should I feed my softshell turtle?
Softshell turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet can include commercial turtle pellets, fresh vegetables (like kale and collard greens), and live food such as small fish, worms, or insects. It’s important to provide a balanced diet to ensure they get enough calcium for shell health. Avoid overfeeding and be cautious with the size of the prey you offer to prevent choking or injury.
How do I know if my softshell turtle is stressed?
Signs of stress in softshell turtles include erratic swimming, refusal to eat, frequent hiding, and staying submerged for longer than usual. Poor water quality, inappropriate temperatures, or overcrowding can lead to stress. Make sure the turtle’s environment is suitable, and if stress continues, consider consulting a vet to rule out any medical issues.
Why is my softshell turtle constantly hiding?
If your softshell turtle is constantly hiding, it could be due to stress, illness, or an uncomfortable environment. It may also be trying to regulate its temperature or avoid overly bright lights. Check the tank’s water quality, temperature, and lighting. If the hiding continues, consider a vet check to rule out health concerns.
Final Thoughts
Softshell turtles are fascinating creatures, and understanding their behavior can help you provide the best care possible. Spending most of their time underwater is completely normal for these turtles. It’s part of their natural instincts, allowing them to regulate their temperature, avoid predators, and even breathe through their skin. This behavior is a sign that your turtle is adapting well to its environment and is comfortable in the conditions you provide. If your turtle stays underwater for long periods, it’s often just acting according to its natural habits.
However, it’s essential to ensure that the water quality and temperature are optimal for your softshell turtle’s health. Poor water conditions, such as high ammonia or inadequate oxygen levels, can cause stress and lead to behavior changes. If the water temperature is not right, it might cause your turtle to stay underwater longer than necessary or even prevent it from basking. Regular maintenance of the tank, including water changes and filtration, can help prevent these issues. Making sure your turtle has access to clean, properly heated water will go a long way in ensuring its well-being.
If you’re concerned about your softshell turtle’s behavior or if it seems to stay underwater too long, it’s important to observe other signs like feeding habits, movement, and overall health. While staying submerged is part of their natural instinct, changes in behavior or unusual patterns can sometimes signal stress or health issues. In these cases, a quick check of the water conditions and a visit to the vet may be necessary to ensure everything is in order. With the right care, your softshell turtle will thrive and continue to display natural behaviors that are a part of their everyday life.