The hatchlings also have a yellowish-orange stripe around the outside of the shell and along the face. On the T. spinifera , the markings are fainter, and the carapace's leading edge is lined with small spiky projections. As such they are much more vulnerable to injuries from rocks and bites than are other hard-shelled turtles. They are highly aquatic, spending most of their time under water, often buried under the sandy or muddy river or lake bottoms with only their long probiscus topping the surface. Like many aquatic amphibians, soft-shells respire through their skin as well, thus are particularly susceptible to impurities in the water.
Some species are quite aggressive.
Due to their aggressive tendencies, especially if overcrowded, they should be kept single or in pairs. Soft-shells are very shy around humans, and often will not come out much when any are around. Food intake must be monitored by looking to see that food offered disappears and that feces appear regularly. When kept in a home they should be in a low traffic, low noise area. Aquaria should be established with a thick enough layer of clean fine sand at the bottom to enable the turtle to completely bury itself.