Chelonia mydas, known as the green sea turtle, is a large sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. It is the only species in the genus Chelonia. Their common name derives from the usually green fat found beneath their carapace (upper shell). The Green Sea Turtle is a sea turtle, possessing a dorsoventrally flattened body covered by a large, teardrop-shaped carapace and a pair of large, paddle-like flippers. It is usually lightly colored, although parts of the carapace can be almost black in the Eastern Pacific.
Ten Facts about Green Turtle
- Its range extends throughout tropical and subtropical seas around the world, with two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- Adult green turtles grow to 1.5 metres (5 ft) long.
- While individuals have been caught that reached weights of up to 315 kilograms (690 lb).
- During routine activity green turtles dive for about 4 to 5 minutes and surface to breathe for 1 to 3 seconds. Turtles can rest or sleep underwater for several hours at a time.
- Large sharks & humans are their only predators.
- They reach maturity may live to age 80 in the wild.
- Mature turtles spend most of their time in shallow, coastal waters with lush seagrass beds.
- Green Sea Turtles eats plants, but they also eat sea creatures like crayfish and crabs.
- They lay 100-200 eggs at a time and leave them alone for 2 months before they hatch.
- Females lay eggs every 2-4 years once they are sexually mature.
