Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Caretta caretta
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedReptilia · Cheloniidae
About
The loggerhead sea turtle, loggerhead turtle or loggerhead, is a species of sea turtle distributed throughout the world. It is a marine reptile, belonging to the family Cheloniidae. The average loggerhead measures around 90 cm (35 in) in carapace length when fully grown. The adult loggerhead sea turtle weighs approximately 135 kg (298 lb), with the largest specimens weighing about 200 kg (440 lb). The skin ranges from yellow to brown in color, and the shell is typically reddish brown. No external differences in sex are seen until the turtle becomes an adult, the most obvious difference being the adult males have thicker tails and shorter plastrons than the females.
Fun Fact
Loggerhead sea turtles have magnetic map sense so precise they can locate their birth beach within just a few kilometers after 20-30 years wandering the open ocean.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Lives in the open ocean and in shallow coastal waters.
Diet
Eat jellyfish, floating molluscs, floating egg clusters, squid, and flying fish.
Lifespan
47–67 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance