The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, scientifically known as *Trionyx sinensis*, is also commonly referred to as the "water fish," "feet fish," or "yuan fish." It belongs to the family Trionychidae, within the class Reptilia. There are over 30 species in the genus *Trionyx*, with three native to China: the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (*T. sinensis*), the northern soft-shelled turtle (*T. stejnegeri*), and the mountain ridge soft-shelled turtle (*T. ferox*). This text focuses on the widely distributed *T. sinensis*.
**Biological Characteristics**
1. **Morphology**: The soft-shelled turtle has an oval or round body structure, consisting of the head, neck, torso, limbs, tail, and shell. Its head is slightly triangular with a cylindrical snout, and it can retract into the shell for protection. The back is rounded, with bony ridges and soft skin covered in longitudinal granules. The ventral side contains vertical and transverse bones connected by muscles and covered in soft tissue. The carapace edge is well-developed, forming a skirt-like structure. The limbs are thick and flat, with five toes and well-developed tendons between them. The inner three toes have hook-like claws, while the tail is short. Males typically have longer tails that extend beyond the skirt, whereas females' tails remain inside, making this a key feature for sex identification. The carapace is usually olive-green with dark spots, and the underside is yellow-white. Coloration may vary depending on habitat conditions.
2. **Feeding Habits**: These turtles are omnivorous, preferring animal-based food. Juveniles feed on aquatic insects, leeches, clams, and small crustaceans, while adults consume snails, fish, shrimp, and even animal carcasses. They also eat plant matter like vegetables, fruits, and grains. Notably, they are opportunistic feeders and may resort to cannibalism when food is scarce. Their optimal feeding temperature ranges from 26–30°C, with reduced activity below 20°C and hibernation at temperatures below 10°C. Above 33°C, their appetite also decreases.
3. **Breeding Behavior**: During breeding, they exhibit specific behaviors such as calmness, sensitivity to wind, and aversion to pollution. These are referred to as the "three highs and three fears" in management practices.
**Economic Value and Medicinal Use**
The soft-shelled turtle is highly valued for its delicious meat and nutritional content. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine, with various parts including the blood, gallbladder, and flesh being utilized for their health benefits. These include nourishing yin, clearing heat, and improving liver function. It is also processed into health supplements, and naturally raised individuals are more marketable due to their superior quality.
**Artificial Breeding Techniques**
1. **Sexual Maturity and Selection**: Turtles reach sexual maturity around 4 years in warmer regions like Shanghai. Those just reaching maturity are not ideal for breeding due to smaller size and lower egg viability. Mature individuals should weigh around 1.5 kg, be healthy, and free from disease. Male and female identification is crucial, with males having longer tails, a wider body, and a higher weight compared to females.
2. **Stocking and Feeding**: A male-to-female ratio of 3–5:1 is recommended. Before stocking, tanks should be disinfected with potassium permanganate. Feeding should consist mainly of high-protein animal feeds, such as snails, fish, and silkworm pupae, supplemented with plant-based foods. Feed amounts should be 5–10% of total body weight, with regular feeding times. After hibernation, fresh animal feed is essential, and post-spawning nutrition must be increased.
3. **Spawning and Incubation**: Spawning occurs when water temperatures exceed 20°C, typically between 10 PM and 4 PM. Eggs are laid in burrows and covered with mud. Fertilized eggs are collected after 8 hours, marked, and incubated at 29–30°C with 80% humidity. Hatching takes 40–60 days.
**Ecological Farming**
Ecological farming involves raising soft-shelled turtles alongside fish in the same pond. This method increases productivity, reduces costs, and enhances economic returns. Ponds should be 2–2.5 meters deep with proper drainage and anti-escape measures. Stocking densities vary based on size, with 30–50 fingerlings per acre. Regular monitoring and water quality control are essential.
**Disease Prevention and Control**
Common diseases include red neck disease, hemorrhagic sepsis, skin infections, white spot disease, and fat metabolism disorders. Prevention includes maintaining clean water, proper disinfection, and using antibiotics or herbal treatments. Infected individuals should be isolated, and affected areas treated with appropriate solutions.
By following these methods, farmers can successfully raise soft-shelled turtles, ensuring both profitability and ecological balance.
Essential Oil
Omega-3 fatty acid is a long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acid found in plants and marine organisms. Studies have shown that saturated fatty acids have adverse effects on health, while omega-3 fatty acids, as polyunsaturated fatty acids, have many health benefits. Different types of evidence suggest that the decrease of omega-3 fatty acid concentration can cause mood disorders. Some preliminary research results suggest that it can effectively treat a variety of mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and dementia. For pregnant and lactating women, it is a safe and effective treatment.
There are eight sources of omega-3: Antarctic krill, seals (seals), deep-sea fish, purple perilla seed, flaxseed, qiyazi (qiyazi), seaweed, South American oil vine and yak.
Fish / fish oil: it should be noted that only deep-sea fish are rich in omega-3. Unlike other three plant products, fish contain cholesterol. People with diabetes, hypertension and other diseases should consult a doctor before consuming fish oil to supplement omega3. In addition, fish is a common allergen, which will cause allergic reactions in many people, including children. If you are prone to allergic constitution before eating, please consult your doctor. Deep sea fish oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which can significantly reduce cholesterol and soften blood vessels. Ruan Guangfeng, an expert of China food and nutrition information exchange center, said that EPA and DHA are the main components of fish oil that play a role in health care for the human body. They come from fish fat. The quality of fish oil is marked by the content of EPA and DHA.
Seaweed: the deep-sea rhynchophyta contains Omega-3. Some deep-sea fish ingest omega-3 because they prey on these algae. Because the existing methods of cultivating and extracting seaweed oil do great harm to the environment, it still needs some time to improve and improve in order to realize commercial production.
Omega 3 Fish Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil
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