Green sea turtles are only 5 cm (2 in.) long when they first hatch. But they grow up to 1.5 m (5 ft.) in length and can weigh over 300 kg (700 lb.)! That makes them the largest of the hardshell sea turtles.
Green sea turtles are so named for the greenish hue of their skin. They make their home in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide.
Green Turtle Shells
Like all turtles, green sea turtles have shells. The dorsal shell of the green turtle, or carapace, is wide, smooth, and brownish-olive in color. The underside of the shell, or plastron, is yellow.
Unlike many land turtles, green sea turtles cannot retract their heads and limbs into their shells. This makes them more vulnerable to predators.
Two Types of Green Turtle
There are two types of green turtles, the Atlantic green turtle and the Eastern Pacific green turtle.
It is debated whether these are subspecies or completely separate species. Each of the populations has its own feeding and breeding grounds.
Atlantic green turtles are found throughout the Atlantic Ocean, while Eastern Pacific green turtles are found in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Mediterranean and Black Seas. Over 80 countries in the world have green turtles nest on their beaches.
Speedy Swimmers
Reaching speeds of up to 56 km/h (35 mph), the green sea turtle’s streamlined shell and paddle-like flippers aid in its ability to swim quickly and with grace.
Green sea turtles are able to hold their breath for hours at a time. Because they are cold-blooded, the temperature of the water affects their ability to hold their breath. In colder water they can hold their breath for longer.
What Green Sea Turtles Eat
Green sea turtles feed on crabs, jellyfish, and other creatures as juveniles. As adults, they become herbivores, primarily eating sea grasses and algae.
Green Sea Turtle Reproduction
In general, green turtles only venture onto land to lay their eggs. On land they move slowly, laboriously pulling themselves along with their flippers. Females lay eggs every 2-4 years once they are sexually mature.
To reach their nesting grounds, green turtles migrate long distances, traveling back to the beaches where they were born.
After mating in the shallow waters near shore, female turtles climb onto the beach and lay their eggs in a pit. They lay 100-200 eggs at a time and leave them alone for 2 months before they hatch.
Once the baby turtles hatch, they must crawl to the water and avoid a multitude of predators, including birds and crabs.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN, green turtles are listed as endangered, and their numbers are decreasing.
Humans hunt green turtles and collect their eggs, a legal practice in some countries. Green turtles are also threatened by destruction of nesting areas and foraging areas in the sea. Sometimes green turtles are accidentally caught in fishing nets, further declining their population.
There are efforts to lessen the amount of turtles and eggs harvested in many countries. In addition, many countries are trying to protect the nesting and foraging grounds. They are protected under many treaties and laws.
What You Can Do to Help
Green sea turtles can use as many advocates as they can get. Make sure you do not purchase products made from this endangered species. Also, if you live an area that green turtles use for nesting, you can lead a community effort to protect the beaches they nest on.
Green Sea Turtle Range
Green sea turtles make their home in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide.
More Green Sea Turtle Resources
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Green Turtle
- New York State Department of Conservation – Green Sea Turtle Fact Sheet
- IUCN – Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle)
- National Geographic – Green Turtle
Quick Fact Sheet
Common Name(s): Green Sea Turtle, Green Turtle
Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
Animal Type: reptile
Size: 1.5 m (5 ft.) long
Weight: 300 kg (700 lb.)
Lifespan: Up to 80 years
Conservation Status: Endangered
