The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, scientifically known as *Trionyx sinensis*, is also referred to by various local names such as "yuan fish," "water fish," or "feet fish." It belongs to the family Trionychidae under the order Testudines. There are over 30 species in the genus *Trionyx*, with three found in China: *T. sinensis* (Chinese soft-shelled turtle), *T. stejnegeri* (northern soft-shelled turtle), and *T. ferox* (mountain ridge soft-shelled turtle). This text focuses on *T. sinensis*, the most widely distributed species.
**Biological Characteristics**
1. **Morphology**: The body of the soft-shelled turtle is oval or round, divided into head, neck, trunk, limbs, and tail. Its head is slightly triangular, with a cylindrical snout that allows it to retract into the shell. The back is rounded, featuring bony ridges covered with soft skin and small granules. The underside consists of a vertical bone and several transverse bones connected by muscles, covered in soft tissue. The carapace has a pronounced edge, forming a skirt-like structure. Limbs are thick and flat, with five toes and well-developed aponeurosis between them. The inner three toes have hook-shaped claws, while the tail is short. Males typically have longer tails extending beyond the skirt, whereas females’ tails remain inside. The dorsal surface is usually olive-green with dark spots, and the ventral side is yellow-white. Coloration can vary within the same habitat.
2. **Dietary Habits**: Soft-shelled turtles are omnivorous, preferring animal-based food. Juveniles feed on aquatic insects, leeches, clams, and shrimp, while adults consume snails, fish, carcasses, and plant materials like vegetables, fruits, and grains. They are opportunistic eaters and may even cannibalize if food is scarce. Their optimal feeding temperature range is 26–30°C, with reduced activity below 20°C and hibernation at 10°C. Feeding decreases above 33°C.
They are sensitive to environmental conditions, often referred to as having “three highs and three fearsâ€: high sensitivity to noise, fear of wind, and fear of pollution. These traits must be considered during breeding.
**Economic Value**
The soft-shelled turtle is highly valued for its taste and nutritional content. It is not only a delicacy but also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Various parts, including the blood, meat, and gallbladder, are believed to have medicinal properties, such as nourishing yin, clearing heat, and detoxifying. It is also used in health supplements and is popular in natural farming systems.
**Artificial Breeding**
1. **Breeding Conditions**: Turtles reach sexual maturity at around 0.5 kg, with maturity times varying by region. In Shanghai, this occurs after about four years. Young turtles should not be used for breeding due to low egg production. Adults weighing 1.5 kg, free from disease and injury, are ideal. Males have longer tails, broader heads, and are heavier than females, while females have shorter tails and a flatter shape.
2. **Feeding and Management**: A male-to-female ratio of 3-5:1 is recommended. Stocking density depends on size, with 2-3 square meters per turtle. Feeding should be balanced, with a focus on protein-rich diets, including snails, fish, and artificial feeds. Feed amounts should be 5-10% of their body weight, with regular feeding times. After hibernation, fresh animal feed is essential, and post-spawning nutrition must be sufficient.
3. **Spawning and Incubation**: Spawning occurs when water temperatures exceed 20°C. Eggs are laid in burrows and covered with mud. Fertilized eggs are collected and incubated at 29–30°C with 80% humidity. Hatching takes 40–60 days. Outdoor hatcheries should be well-drained and equipped with sand layers for egg placement.
**Ecological Breeding**
Ecological aquaculture involves raising soft-shelled turtles alongside fish in the same pond. This method improves water utilization, increases income, and promotes ecological balance. Ponds should be 2–2.5 meters deep with proper drainage and anti-escape structures. Fish stocking should occur before spring, with a focus on fast-growing species. Water quality management and disease prevention are critical.
**Disease Prevention**
Common diseases include red neck disease, hemorrhagic sepsis, skin ulcers, white spot disease, and fat metabolism disorders. Prevention includes maintaining clean water, proper feeding, and regular disinfection. Treatment options vary depending on the condition, including antibiotics, antiseptics, and isolation of affected individuals.
By following these practices, breeders can ensure healthy, productive populations of soft-shelled turtles, contributing to both economic and ecological benefits.
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