The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is among the largest marine turtles and is also the most widespread. It grows to lengths of about 3 to 4 feet and weights of up to 200 kg. Its front limbs are flipper-like and are used to propel itself through the water. Their flesh is a light color with a hint of green and they have small heads relative to the size of their body. Unlike many other species of turtles, green turtles are unable to retract their head into their shell.
Male green turtles spend virtually their entire lives at sea. They are born on land and are only rarely sighted on beaches. Green turtles migrate hundreds of miles to breeding grounds to mate. Female green turtles travel to the same beaches to nest as their predecessors.
- Mass: 205 kg
- Body Length: 71 to 153 cm
- Diet: adults eat algae and other plants; young feed on sponges, snails, or crabs
- Gestation Period: 59 days
- Age at Sexual Maturity: 3650 days (average, male and female)
- Number of Eggs: 100-200
- Average Lifespan: 100 years
Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Family: Cheloniidae
- Genus: Chelonia
- Species: Chelonia mydas
Where to See:
Green sea turtles are pelagic and are distributed throughout tropical, subtropical, and temperate seas around the world. They are native to the Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean.
References:
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Crite J. 2000. Chelonia mydas, Animal Diversity Web. July 14, 2005.
