The Atlantic Ridley is the smallest turtle in the Atlantic Ocean. It is unique in its almost circular shell. The carapace is colored olive-green, while the plastron is yellow. Male and female turtles are virtually identical in external appearance, but males have longer tails and more concave plastrons. Atlantic ridley is the rarest sea turtle and is critically endangered. It is one of two living species in the genus Lepidochelys (the other one being L. olivacea the Olive ridley sea turtle).
Ten Facts about Atlantic Ridley
- Reaching maturity at 2-3 feet (61-91 cm) long.
- The Kemp's ridley turtle feeds on molluscs, crustaceans, jellyfish, algae or seaweed, and sea urchins.
- Incubation takes anywhere from 45 to 70 days.
- There are, on average, around 110 eggs in a clutch.
- The hatchlings' sex is decided by the temperature in the area during incubation. If the temperature is below 29.5 degrees Celsius the offspring will be mainly male.
- They measure 23 to 27.5 inches (58-70 cm) in carapace length and weigh between 80 and 100 lbs (36-45 kg).
- Ridleys inhabit salt water environs. Most Atlantic ridleys found in North Carolina are in shallow water and high saline sounds.
- Other name is Kemp's Ridley.
- Founds in Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Life span can be 60-100 years.
