Sexing a Florida Soft Shell

[el8ch]

Hey Everyone!

My Florida Soft Shell Surf is about two years old now and has about a 7 inch shell length. Does anyone know any methods of being able to sex these types of turtles. I have heard that the tail size in this specific species of turtle differes depending on sex, but I'm not sure how reliable this is.

I truly hope he is male as the females get huge. Currently he is happy in a 125 gallon tank, hoping he will be able to remain in this the rest of his life.

[MarkieJ]

Tail size is definitely an indicator, but at 2 years of age I'm not sure if you would be able to tell. You might have success by looking at the cloaca. If it goes beyond the edge of the shell, then it's likely a male.

I have a spiny softshell and I'm also hoping it's a male. They grow fast huh? Mine is a yearling and is about 4 inches. You have pics? I would love to see that 125 setup!

[el8ch]

Tail size is definitely an indicator, but at 2 years of age I'm not sure if you would be able to tell. You might have success by looking at the cloaca. If it goes beyond the edge of the shell, then it's likely a male.

I have a spiny softshell and I'm also hoping it's a male. They grow fast huh? Mine is a yearling and is about 4 inches. You have pics? I would love to see that 125 setup!

hey MarkieJ - I just got Surf in his new tank after Christmas, upgraded him from his original 40 gallon breeder. I will try and get some pics up by the weekend. Setup is still pretty minimal as Surf just usually moves everything around anyways. I try and make it look all nice and then I go to feed in the morning and all of the plants and rocks are just in one big pile in the corner of the tank. lol