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Green Sea Turtle
Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas

Green sea turtles are slightly larger than loggerheads, reaching lengths of 31-44 inches and weights of 150-410 lbs at maturity. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Indo-Pacific, along the Argentine coast and in the Mediterranean Sea.

Dwelling primarily in tropical and subtropical waters near coastlines and islands, green sea turtles are considered solitary animals. However, they are sometimes seen congregating to feed on algae in shallow sea grass beds.

Fun Facts:
  • Green sea turtles get their name from the greenish color of their body fat.
  • These sea turtles can stay under water for as long as five hours. They accomplish this by slowing their heart rate to conserve oxygen, and up to nine minutes may elapse between heartbeats.
  • Unlike land turtles, sea turtles cannot retract their limbs under their shells.
  • Like all other species of turtles, sea turtles do not have teeth. They must rely solely on the tearing power of their jaws to consume their food.
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