Common Name:

 Eastern Spiny Softshell
Scientific Name:
Apalone spinifer spinifer
Etymology:
Genus:

Apalone is derived from the Greek apo  which means "separate" and the Anglo-Saxon alone meaning "solitary" referring to the original isolated Hudson River population.
 Species:
spinifera is derived from the Latin spina  meaning "thorn" and fero  meaning "to bear". This refers to the spine-like tubercles found on the anterior (front) margin of the carapace.
 Subspecies:
spinifera is derived from the Latin spina  meaning "thorn" and fero  meaning "to bear". This refers to the spine-like tubercles found on the anterior (front) margin of the carapace.
Average Length:
females 7 - 17 in. (18 - 43.2 cm), males 5 - 9.25 in. (12.5 - 23.5 cm)
Virginia Record Length: 
9.8 in. (25 cm)
Record length:
18 in. (45.7 cm)

 

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

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