 The spiny softshell can be found in bodies of freshwater including ponds, lakes, rivers, tributaries, and streams.They inhabit shallow water (less than 1 meter deep) but can also be found as far as 10 meters deep.They can be found in areas with varying levels of vegetation, and although they are generally found in more slowly-moving waters, this species can be found in faster moving waters than other, less-aquatic species of turtle.