Green Turtle Facts

Green Sea Turtle ( Chelonia mydas)

A beautiful turtle often seen in tropical and subtropical seas around the world with two major populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, and also in the Indian Ocean. Its scientic name is Chelonia mydas from the family Cheloniidae. Often called Black sea turtle or Pacific green turtle. Really the name "green" comes from its inner fat between their organs and their shell. The shell color ranges from black to olive.

Like other sea turtles, green sea turtles migrate long distances between feeding grounds and hatching beaches. Females crawl out to the beach , dig nests, and lay eggs during the night. After, hatchlings emerge and scramble into the water. Those that reach maturity may live to 80 years in the wild.

On their way to the sea, often baby sea turtles encounter dangers like seagulls or predators so not all of them make it to the ocean and maturity. As well polution issues as mistreatment from humans. The green sea turtle is an endangered species so there is conservation programs like the one we have in the Akumal Turtle Sanctuary.

The green sea turtle is herbivorous so usually is found around waters with sea grass which is their primary food. Feeding from different species of seagrasses it eats from the top blades of the plant thus keeping the sea grass healthy at the same time.

How long have sea turtles existed on Earth?

Reptiles existing on Earth for over 100 million years, sea turtles' ancestors were around at the time of the dinosaurs.

Why do sea turtles come to the surface of water?

Sea turtles cannot breathe underwater and need to come to the surface for air. They can hold their breath underwater for as long as 4-7 hours if they are resting or sleeping.

How many eggs does a female sea turtle lay?

During sea turtle nesting season, a female can lay up to 180 eggs at a time, as often as six times.