Green Sea Turtle

Description:

A typical adult green turtle has a carapace length of 40 inches and can weigh from 200-500 lbs. Green turtles exhibit counter-shading with a carapace (shell) that can range from olive brown to black in color and a much lighter yellow plastron (underside). Green turtles have five vertebral scutes running down the middle of their shell and four costal scutes on each side. (Unlike the hawksbill turtle which has the same number of scutes, the scutes of the green turtle do not overlap). Another distinguishing characteristic of this species is their two large prefrontal scales located between the eyes.

Habitat:

Waiamae

Notes:

Sea turtles, like sea snakes and marine iguanas, are marine reptiles that spend most of their time underwater and have to come to the surface to breathe. During periods of rest, green sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours, and on secluded beaches they may also be seen coming ashore to bask in the warm sun. As adults, honu feed primarily on seaweed, or limu, growing on rocks and reefs near shore. The high volume of seaweed consumed turns the turtle's fat layer green, which gives them their common name: green sea turtle. In Hawaii, green sea turtles are generally faithful to one particular "feeding" area around the main islands.