Sea turtles are an almost common sight while diving. We like watching them, following them and admiring them. Those who carry a camera like to take pictures and hoping for that perfect angle. Those with a video camera like to film their majestic movements. While we see them from time to time, do we know how to identify the species when found?
Here is bit of terminology to assist you in honing your turtle identification skills!
Identifying Features of Sea Turtles:
• Carapace: The upper part of the shell
• Plastron: The underside of the shell protecting the belly
• Scutes: The scales on the shell and body
• Dorsal Ridges: The longitudinal ridges running down the top of the upper shell
• Beak: The mouth
To identify the species of turtle, a diver will want to pay particular attention to the number of scutes, the shape of the head and beak, whether the shell edge is smooth or serrated. Mastering these three characteristics for each turtle species and identification becomes much easier.
How many of the seven species of marine turtle have you seen while diving? This guide will facilitate in aiding you learn how to properly identify turtle species, and why they are considered endangered species.
Turtles play an important role in the ecology of the oceans and of the coastal zone. The continued existence of sea turtles is under threat, mainly due to human influences. It is our responsibility to protect them, to educate others of the nature of the species, to never interact or have physical contact with them, as tempting as it may seem.
Turtles need our care and protection from all things, us. It is up to you to be their ambassador and speak on their behalf, and educate other divers to our roles and theirs on this planet.
Let’s take a look at the species of turtles you may find and how to identify them.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle – Eretmochelys imbricate
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Identification Tips:
1. The beak is curved and pointy with a distinct overbite (appears similar to a hawk’s beak).
2. The 4 scutes running down the edges of the carapace overlap
3. The small scutes at the carapace edge are pointed outwards, giving a serrated appearance
4. Each front flipper has 2 claws
5. Considered a “pretty boy” because the top of the shell is so beautiful, likely from the “fiberglass” it eats from sponges
Quick Facts:
• Shell Color: Greenish-brown
• Weight: 100-150 lbs. (45-68 kg.)
• Length: 24-45 in. (62-114 cm.)
• Distribution: Tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans
• Habitat: Prefer reefs and rocky coastal zones
• Diet: The hawk-like beak cuts through anemones, coral, sponges, sea urchins, mollusks, fish, jellyfish and algae
• Status: Critically Endangered Species
Green Sea Turtle – Chelonia mydas
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Identification Tips:
1. The beak is serrated
2. The 4 scutes running down the sides of the carapace do not overlap
3. The carapace is wide and smooth
4. The front of the head has a pair of scutes
5. Each front flipper has 1 claw
6. The Green turtle is named after the color of its skin
Quick Facts:
• Shell Color: Brown or olive
• Weight: Up to 700 lbs. (317 kg.)
• Length: 32-47 in. (80-120 cm.)
• Distribution: Coastal tropical and subtropical waters around the world
• Habitat: Prefer bays and coastal zones
• Diet: Seagrasses and Algae (adults); Shellfish, jellyfish and sponges (as juveniles)
• Status: Endangered Species
Loggerhead Sea Turtle – Caretta caretta
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Identification Tips:
1. There are 5 pairs of scutes running down the carapace sides that do not overlap
2. Each front flipper has 2 claws
3. The Loggerhead is named after its thick, large head
Quick Facts:
• Shell Color: Reddish-brown
• Weight: 200-350 lbs. (113 kg.)
• Length: 36 in. (92 cm.)
• Distribution: All oceans, although temperate waters are preferred.
• Habitat: Shallower coastal waters but also open ocean
• Diet: The powerful jaws can crush through crabs, shellfish, mollusks, shrimp and jellyfish
• Status: Threatened Species
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle – Lepidochelys olivacea
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Identification Tips:
1. There are 5-9 pairs (most often 5) of scutes running down the carapace sides that do not overlap
2. Each front and rear flipper has 1 or 2 claws
3. The Olive Ridley is named after the coloring of its shell
Quick Facts:
• Shell Color: Olive green
• Weight: Up to 100 lbs. (45 kg.)
• Length: 20-30 in. (50-75 cm.)
• Distribution: Tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian and South Atlantic Oceans.
• Habitat: Prefers open ocean
• Diet: Jellyfish, crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and occasionally algae and seagrass
• Status: Endangered Species
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle – Lepidochelys kempii
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Identification Tips:
1. There are 5 pairs of scutes running down the sides of the carapace
2. Front flippers have 1 claw; rear flippers have 1 or 2 claws
Quick Facts:
• Shell Color: Light-olive green to grey
• Weight: Up to 100 lbs. (45 kg.)
• Length: 24 in. (65 cm.)
• Distribution: Gulf of Mexico and eastern USA
• Habitat: Prefers shallow water
• Diet: Jellyfish, crabs, shellfish, and occasionally algae and seagrass
• Status: Critically Endangered Species
Leatherback Sea Turtle – Dermochelys coriacea
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Identification Tips:
1. Leathery skin with 5 ridges (no scales)
2. Flippers have no claws
Quick Facts:
• Shell Color: Dark blue to black
• Weight: Up to 2,000 lbs. (900 kg.)
• Length: 7 ft. (2 m.)
• Distribution: Mediterranean Sea, tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, also reaching up to Canada and Norway and down to New Zealand and South America (Leatherbacks can regulate their internal body temperature allowing them to tolerate a range of water temperatures)
• Habitat: Open ocean and deep depths
• Diet: Jellyfish and squid
• Status: Endangered Species
Australian Flatback Sea Turtle – Natator depressus
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Identification Tips:
1. The 4 scutes running down the edges of the carapace do not overlap
2. The very edge of the shell is folded up and covered by thin, non-overlapping scutes
3. Flippers have 1 claw
4. Pair of scutes in front of its eyes
5. The Australian Flatback is named after its very flat shell
Quick Facts:
• Shell Color: Olive grey
• Weight: 198 lbs. (90 kg.)
• Length: Up to 40 in. (99 cm.)
• Distribution: Found only around Australia and Papua New Guinea in the Pacific.
• Habitat: Prefer bays, coral reef and shallow grassy areas
• Diet: Jellyfish, mollusks, shrimp, sea cucumbers and seaweed
• Status: Vulnerable Species
Black Sea Turtle – Chelonia agassizi
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Identification Tips:
1. The 4 scutes running down the carapace edges do not overlap
2. Pair of scutes on the front of the head
3. Front flippers have 1 claw
4. The head size of the Black turtle is smaller than the similar Green turtle
5. This species enjoys the unique sea turtle habit of basking on the rocks and sand during sunlight (scientists say this may be in an effort to regulate body temperature)
Quick Facts:
• Shell Color: Black
• Weight: Up to 220 lbs. (100 kg.)
• Length: 39 in. (100 cm.) (99 cm.)
• Distribution: Tropical and subtropical waters.
• Habitat: Bays, estuaries and coastal waters
• Diet: Algae, seagrass and mangrove tree shoots
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