This study aimed to develop a method for extracting melanin in muscle of Chinese soft-shelled turtle by Skim-enzymatic hydrolysis and acid hydrolysis,and to study its structural characteristics,physicochemical property,as well as antioxidant activity.The melanin was examined by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy,fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analyzer,before being evaluated by color detection,solubility test,stability test,hydroxyl radical assay,DPPH radical-scavenging assay and superoxide-radical scavenging assay.The result showed that the melanin powder was dark mixed with a little red and yellow (L* = 41.03,a* = 2.26,b* = 3.78).The solubility properties were similar to those of typical melanin.The melanin possessed a stronger thermal stability and light stability within 1 hour,as well as exhibited a strong antioxidant activity.At concentration of 2.0 mg/mL,the total antioxidant activity,hydroxyl radical scavenging activity,DPPH radical scavenging activity,and superoxide-radical scavenging activity of melanin were reduced more than 40%.