The 7 Species of Sea Turtles

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.

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) is a marine turtle that grows to lengths of 28 to 39 inches. Caretta caretta is the world's largest hard-shelled turtle. Loggerhead turtles have large heads (when compared to other species of marine turtles) and strong, muscular jaws (which help them crush prey such as crabs and lobsters).