Green Sea Turtle

Chelonia Mydas

One of the largest of the eight species of sea turtles, the green turtle used to be common throughout warmer waters of the world. Today, its numbers are a fraction of what they once were due to the severe hunting for their colorful shells and meat. The breeding populations in Florida and on the Pacific Coast of Mexico are listed as endangered, while all others are listed as threatened.

The green sea turtle has been documented to grow to a maximum of about 4 feet and weigh 440 pounds. The shell is considered heart-shaped in appearance.

Hatchlings will eat a variety of plants and animals, while adults will feed exclusively on marine plants and grasses.

An adult female green sea turtle may lay up to nine nests in one season, which runs from June through September. Green sea turtles can be found in seen in shallow waters inside reefs.