Mascot Nomination: Florida Softshell

During the trip to TSA, I learned about the status of the Yangtze giant softshell, Rafetus swinhoei. This specimen is the world's largest fresh water softshell, and unfortunately the rarest, with only four known specimens. Two males inhabit separate lakes in Vietnam, while one male and one female reside in China's Suzhou Zoo. The two Chinese specimens have mated numerous times, with the female laying several clutches...all which have been infertile. The Chinese male has been proclaimed to either not being capable of copulation and insemination, or not producing viable sperm.  Due to political discrepancies, the probability of the female being able to mate with one of the other two male specimens is improbable, leaving the fate of this species to another gloomy human-caused extinction.

In honor of, and to impede this fate on our local species, I think the Florida softshell would be a great mascot for the class.  Although I would love to pick a really awesome, jazzy, flamboyant species to represent how cool herps are, I think in choosing a species of concern, we can not only consider how cool they are, but also how important they in conservation.

The Florida softshell, Apalone ferox,  is a South Carolina species of concern. It's size can range from approximately six inches to two feet, depending on the sex, females being larger. Of course, this is nothing in comparison to the Yangtze, which can reach over three feet.

The species isn't a thrill to look at, isn't a fiery red, or of colossal size (although largest of North American softshells), but does have a textured shell consisting of flattened hemispheres. The young are somewhat stylish, with what I deem a green/brown cheetah-print shell.

They're referred to as animated aquatic pancakes, with sharp claws and mandibles, deserving respect. If in which doesn't make you rethink your choices, you should.

Vote Florida Softshell!