Ornery Softshell Turtle

Ornery Softshell Turtle
Binomal name	Apalone pugnacious pugnacious (northern), Apalone pugnacious jemmini (southern)
Trophic Level	3
Size	1.03m long (3'4")
Weight	23.6kg
Diet	Mesocarnivore
Biome	Swamps, lakes, rivers

A species of trionychid turtle native to Dimentiara's eastern hemisphere. Two subspecies can be found in Zaitopia and Akatoria: the Northern Ornery Softshell and the Southern Ornery Softshell, respectively. Some herpetologists have suggested elevating the Southern Ornery Softshell to full species status, but this proposal has not been met with wide acceptance as both subspecies overlap on the Zaitopian/Akatorian border and can produce fertile hybrid offspring. Though their common name suggests a feisty disposition, they only really bite when handled, preferring to hide from predators in the mud. Tailtip Turtle Soup is a delicacy in both human and Silarc cuisine in Zaitopia's Tailtip Territory; the Ornery Softshell is coveted as the primary ingredient, but Lockjaw Loggerhead or Rainbow Terrapin are acceptable substitutes. This is often the case, as Ornery Softshells rarely reach their full size these days thanks to overfishing.