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| Home > Science & Nature > Animals & Pets > Reptiles & Amphibians > Turtles > Sea Turtles |
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See Also: |
Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta
caretta)
Most common sea turtles in Florida and Florida and southeastern
United States is the 2nd largest nesting population for the
Loggerheads. The primary nesting location is on Florida's east coast
from Boca Raton to New Smyrna Beach. The Loggerheads are so named
because of their large heads which can be as large as 10 inches wide.
They eat crabs, clams and other shellfish.
Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas)
Next most common turtle in Florida after the Loggerhead. Florida
is one of the largest remaining nesting locations in the Caribbean Sea
and western Atlantic Ocean for the Green Turtles. They are so named
because of the color of their body fat. The Green Turtles eat mostly
vegetation such as sea grasses making it the only species to eat
plants.
Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys
cariacea)
Largest sea turtle, and not as common in Florida as the
Loggerheads however, Florida is the only site in the continental US
where the Leatherbacks regularly nests. The leatherbacks have ridges
on their dark and rubbery shells and can grow as large as 8 feet in
length. They can tolerate cooler water temperatures and can therefore
travel farther than other turtles. They eat jellyfish and other soft
sealife and many deaths are attributed to them mistaking plastic for
food
Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Rare in Florida, they do not nest in Florida but inhabit the
coastal waters, bays and lagoons in and around Florida. The Hawksbills
are so named for their beak shaped jaws. They eat sponges and other
invertebrates and can grow as large as 3 feet.
Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Rare in Florida, they do not nest in Florida but inhabit the
coastal waters, bays and lagoons in and around Florida. The Kemp's
Ridley are the smallest of the sea turtles. They eat crabs and shrimp.
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