How big is the Green sea turtle?

Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) reaches 80–150 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Green sea turtle?

Green sea turtle is found between 0–100 m deep.

Where can you find the Green sea turtle?

Found in: Caribbean, Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Key facts

Scientific name: Chelonia mydas
Common name: Green sea turtle
Category: Marine reptiles
Family: Cheloniidae
Genus: Chelonia
Size: 80–150 cm
Depth: 0–100 m
IUCN status: Endangered (EN)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: seagrass, rocky-reef, open-water
Behaviours: solitary, slow-mover
Ocean zones: Caribbean, Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific

Description

Chelonia mydas reaches 150 cm carapace and 300 kg. Large sea turtle with olive carapace spotted with brown and juxtaposed scales without overlap. Name comes from green fat. Tropical to subtropical worldwide distribution, populations in Macaronesia (Cape Verde nesting), Caribbean, Red Sea, Galapagos, Australia. Adult herbivore grazing algae and seagrasses (hence importance for ecosystems). Nocturnal nesting on natal beaches. Listed EN by IUCN, multiple threats (bycatch, plastic, nesting habitat).

Photo of Green sea turtle

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Green sea turtle?: Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) reaches 80–150 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Green sea turtle?: Green sea turtle is found between 0–100 m deep.
Is the Green sea turtle dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Green sea turtle?: IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
Where can you find the Green sea turtle?: Found in: Caribbean, Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the family Cheloniidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137206)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2442225)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia