Green Sea Turtle

Overview

The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a large, migratory marine reptile found in tropical and subtropical waters across the globe. Unlike most other sea turtles, adults are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrasses and algae, which gives their internal fat a characteristic greenish hue. They are highly migratory, often traveling thousands of kilometers between their coastal foraging grounds and the specific beaches where they were born to nest.

Appearance

As the largest of the hard-shelled sea turtles, they can reach lengths of over one meter and weigh significantly. Their carapace color varies from olive-brown to nearly black, while their plastron is yellowish. A key identifying feature is the presence of a single pair of prefrontal scales between their eyes, distinguishing them from other sea turtle species. Their bodies are streamlined with powerful, paddle-like flippers adapted for efficient swimming.

Biology & Behavior

Green sea turtles are known for their complex life cycles, which include long-distance migrations and a strong instinct to return to their natal beaches for reproduction. They are sensitive to temperature and generally prefer waters above 20°C. While they are primarily herbivorous as adults, hatchlings and juveniles may consume a more varied diet, including small invertebrates. These turtles are long-lived, with some individuals reaching up to 70 years of age in the wild.

Reproduction

Females return to their chosen nesting beaches every two to five years. During the nesting season, they lay several clutches of approximately 100 to 125 eggs at roughly two-week intervals. The eggs are deposited in deep body pits excavated in the sand. After an incubation period, hatchlings emerge and make their way to the sea, where they enter a pelagic phase, drifting with ocean currents.