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Green Sea Turtle - honu

Chelonia mydas

Description:

Range up to 4 feet in length but in Hawaii are usually only 3 feet at maturity and maximum weight is about 400 lbs. Their colour is actually brown and the greenish look to their shell is probably from algae. The "green" in their common name is from the colour in their fat from when they were cooked in days when it was allowed. Thankfully, not allowed now!!

Habitat:

Most widespread and numerous of Hawaii's sea turtles and are protected under Hawaii state law since 1974. Occur worldwide in warm seas. In Hawaii they often bask on the share where it is easy to observe them without disturbing them. This individual came quite close to me while I was snorkeling and never swam away until it eventually fed along the bottom in then opposite direction. Most Green Turtles of Hawaii breed in the French Frigate Shoals in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. I added photo #2 to show typical feeding position and behaviour of the Green Turtle.

Notes:

Watching a Green Turtle swim is the most relaxing thing to do!

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5 Comments

KathleenMcEachern
KathleenMcEachern 10 years ago

Yes, mauna, they make a snorkel trip magical!

mauna Kunzah
mauna Kunzah 10 years ago

Always love these guys! Wonderful.

KathleenMcEachern
KathleenMcEachern 10 years ago

Thanks Jemma and Ava!

Hema  Shah
Hema Shah 10 years ago

lovely!

KathleenMcEachern
KathleenMcEachern 10 years ago

Just added another photo of this turtle feeding on the coral on algae on the reef. they also feed on sea grass. While actively feeding the Green Turtle must surface every few minutes, but it can rest on the bottom for 2 hours or more

KathleenMcEachern
Spotted by
KathleenMcEachern

Hawaii, USA

Spotted on Nov 19, 2013
Submitted on Dec 4, 2013

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Reference

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