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Green Sea Turtle
Chelonia mydas
Seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and coastal lagoons in tropical and subtropical seas.
Large, smooth olive to dark brown carapace with 4 lateral scutes on each side. Single pair of prefrontal scales on the head distinguishes it from hawksbills.
Identification
Green sea turtles are named for the green tint of their body fat (a consequence of their herbivorous adult diet), not the color of their shell. The carapace is smooth, heart-shaped, and olive to dark brown. The most reliable field mark is the single pair of prefrontal scales between the eyes — hawksbills have two pairs. Adults reach 120 cm carapace length and weigh 150 kg.
Distribution & Habitat
Greens inhabit tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, preferring shallow coastal areas with seagrass meadows or algae-covered reefs. Major nesting populations include Raine Island (Australia), Tortuguero (Costa Rica), Ascension Island, Oman, and Malaysia.
Behavior
Adult greens are the only sea turtles that are strictly herbivorous. They spend hours grazing seagrass, often cropping the same meadows repeatedly to keep the blades in a young, nutritious state. They rest by tucking under coral ledges and can hold their breath for over an hour when resting.
Where to See Them
Akumal in Mexico, Sipadan in Malaysia, Apo Island in the Philippines, and Oahu's north shore are all reliable. Divers should hover slightly above and behind, never block the turtle's path to the surface (they need to breathe), and never touch or ride — both are illegal in nearly every range state.
Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical seas. Major populations in Australia, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.
Often seen grazing on seagrass or resting under ledges. Returns to natal beaches to nest every 2-4 years.
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