Green Sea Turtle

ID points

• Shell scutes do not overlap, the edge is smooth
• Small round head with a serrated beak edge
• One pair of prefrontal scales behind the eyes, just one pair

Basics

Family

Cheloniidae

Length

100–150 cm

Depth

0-40 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs · Caribbean & W. Atlantic

Distribution

Tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, coral reefs and seagrass beds

Habitat

Coral reefs and seagrass beds

Diet

Seagrass, algae

Easily confused with

Flatback Sea TurtleFlat shell with edges clearly turned upwardsHawksbill TurtleShell scutes overlap in layers like roof tilesLoggerhead Sea TurtleHead unusually large and broad, out of proportion with the body

Fun fact

The green sea turtle is named for the green fat inside its body, not for the colour of its shell. It is one of the few sea turtles that live mainly on seagrass and algae, although the young are omnivorous. Females return to the beach where they hatched to lay their own eggs, and the species can live for more than 80 years.

More in this family

• Olive Ridley Turtle