Soft shelled turtles are reptiles extending far back in time, changing very little. Distinctive in appearance with their long necks, very pointed noses, and soft leathery skin, soft shelled turtles are strictly aquatic, coming ashore only to lay eggs. They are found only in rather swift flowing water, are extremely swift swimmers as fast as fish, and are very wary not allowing close approach; they bite viciously when handled. This specimen has been used frequently for reference with fossil turtles, some perhaps unnamed species.

Turtles, like fish, have many unique aspects to their bones as the surface of this carapace reveals after removing the outer surface tissues. I have very frequently consulted this specimen to identify bones sent to the Science Museum for identification.
– Dick Oehlenschlager, Biology