Sea turtles in the family Cheloniidae are known for their strong, streamlined shells and flipper-like limbs, adapted for life in the ocean. They are mostly herbivorous, feeding on sea grasses and algae, and are known for their long migratory patterns. Members of this family have hard shells and are distinguished from the soft-shelled turtles in Trionychidae.
- Cheloniidae includes five species of sea turtles.
- All members have a hard shell and flipper-like limbs.
- Known for long migratory patterns and strong swimming abilities.
Examples
Green Sea Turtle: Chelonia mydas
The Chelonia mydas, or Green Sea Turtle, is named for the green color of its fat rather than its shell. These turtles are primarily herbivorous as adults, feeding on sea grasses and algae. They are known for their wide-ranging migratory habits, often traveling thousands of miles between feeding and nesting sites.
- Name comes from the color of its fat, not its shell.
- Primarily herbivorous, feeding on sea grasses and algae.
- Known for extensive migratory patterns.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle: Caretta caretta
Caretta caretta, or Loggerhead Sea Turtle, is recognizable by its large head and strong jaws, which are perfect for cracking open shellfish. These turtles are omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes jellyfish, conchs, and other marine animals. They are known for their powerful swimming skills and nest on beaches across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- Recognizable by its large head and strong jaws.
- Omnivorous diet includes jellyfish and shellfish.
- Nests on beaches across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle: Eretmochelys imbricata
The Eretmochelys imbricata, or Hawksbill Sea Turtle, has a pointed beak resembling that of a hawk, which it uses to extract sponges from crevices in coral reefs. This turtle is critically endangered due to hunting for its beautiful shell, which is used to make tortoiseshell jewelry. Hawksbills are primarily carnivorous and play a vital role in maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems.
- Has a pointed beak for extracting sponges.
- Critically endangered due to shell trade.
- Primarily carnivorous and essential for coral reef health.
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle: Lepidochelys olivacea
Lepidochelys olivacea, or Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, is the smaller of the sea turtles and is known for its unique nesting behavior called arribada, where thousands nest simultaneously on the same beach. These turtles have a heart-shaped shell and are primarily carnivorous, feeding on jellyfish, crustaceans, and other small marine animals. They are found in warm and temperate ocean waters worldwide.
- Known for mass nesting called arribada.
- Has a heart-shaped shell.
- Primarily feeds on jellyfish and crustaceans.
Flatback Sea Turtle: Natator depressus
The Natator depressus, or Flatback Sea Turtle, is unique to the coastal waters of Australia and is named for its flattened back shell. These turtles have a varied diet, including soft-bodied creatures like jellyfish, and are known to nest on both eastern and western coasts of Australia. Flatbacks are less studied than other sea turtles, but they are valued for their role in the marine ecosystem.
- Native to Australia’s coastal waters.
- Has a flattened back shell.
- Diet includes jellyfish and other soft-bodied marine animals.