Taiwanese Softshell Turtle: The River Chicken of the Chinese, an Economic Animal Left Behind

**A Marvel of Nature: The “Chicken of the River” – The Taiwanese Softshell Turtle**

Among the various types of meat sold in markets in China and Taiwan, there is one animal that has earned the nickname “the chicken of the river.” It is easy to raise, readily available, and has delicious meat. This animal is none other than the Taiwanese softshell turtle. If everyone is ready, let’s dive into this fascinating creature!

### Origins and Basic Information

The Taiwanese softshell turtle, also known as the Chinese softshell turtle (scientific name: Pelodiscus sinensis), is a medium-sized species found in East Asia, including China, North Korea, South Korea, eastern Russia, Taiwan, and the Japanese archipelago, extending to northern Vietnam. It has a length of 15-30 centimeters from head to tail, with a long, oval head and a rounded snout that extends out of the water to breathe without surfacing. The turtle has a flat, smooth, scaly skin with a soft, non-scaled shell. Its front and back legs are webbed, aiding in swimming. It has sharp, plate-like teeth used to hunt prey, with a powerful bite capable of crushing shells or bones. The turtle is omnivorous, eating both plants and small aquatic animals. It hides in shallow waters, ambushing fish and other aquatic creatures, and enjoys eating various freshwater snails, thus helping control pests in water sources.

### Reproduction and Lifecycle

The Taiwanese softshell turtle reaches sexual maturity at 2-3 years of age, with males having slightly longer tails than females. They mate during the rainy season, from June to October. After mating, females come ashore to lay eggs, depositing 15-50 eggs per clutch. The sex of the hatchlings is temperature-dependent; below 34°C, most hatchlings are male, and above 34°C, they are female. Eggs take one month to hatch, after which the young turtles seek food and continue the cycle of growth and reproduction.

### Culinary and Cultural Significance

In their native regions, such as China and Japan, Taiwanese softshell turtles are popular for culinary use. In Thailand, they are raised both as pets and for consumption. Albino or uniquely colored turtles are also kept for ornamental purposes.

### Unique Adaptation: Excreting Waste through the Nose

Scientists at the National University of Singapore studied the Taiwanese softshell turtle and found that it excretes urea or urine through its nose rather than through the anus. They observed the turtles raising their snouts above the water and spraying mist, which was found to contain urea from glands in the nose similar to salt-excreting glands. This adaptation allows the turtles to live in slightly brackish waters at river mouths.

### Ideal Conditions for Raising Taiwanese Softshell Turtles

For commercial breeding, concrete ponds are recommended to prevent the turtles from burrowing and damaging the pond walls. Ponds measuring 3 x 3 x 1.5 meters can accommodate 50-75 adult turtles, with smaller ponds for hatchlings. The environment should mimic natural conditions with a 2:1 water-to-land ratio, sand for hiding, and plants to absorb waste. The turtles should be fed high-protein foods such as catfish feed and fish meal. After laying eggs, the eggs should be kept in a sand-filled container, misted regularly, and hatch in one month. The hatchlings should be raised until they are 1-2 years old before being sold to restaurants, supermarkets, or pet markets.

### Environmental Concerns: Avoid Releasing into Natural Waters

There is a risk of Taiwanese softshell turtles becoming invasive if released into natural water bodies in Thailand, as they can outcompete native species such as the garden softshell turtle, red-necked softshell turtle, and striped softshell turtle. These local species are protected and endangered, and the introduction of foreign turtles could further threaten their populations. The Taiwanese softshell turtles can also disrupt local ecosystems by preying on native fish and aquatic animals. Therefore, it is crucial not to release these turtles into the wild.