This is a soft shelled turtle. They have a long snout, which makes it easy for them to stretch their neck up and take a breath while they stay on the bottom. They also can absorb oxygen from the water through the lining of their throat, their cloaca, and their skin. This allows them to stay underwater for a very long time.

Be very careful with these turtles. Nancy tried to rescue one from the road, and found out that they have VERY long necks and very strong, sharp jaws. She got a nasty bite on her finger.