Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Lepidochelys kempii
- Common name
- Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
- Category
- Marine reptiles
- Family
- Cheloniidae
- Genus
- Lepidochelys
- Size
- 50–70 cm
- Depth
- 0–150 m
- IUCN status
- Critically endangered (CR)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sandy-bottom, coral-reef, open-water
- Behaviours
- pelagic, migratory
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean
Description
Tiny turtle (50-70 cm) heart-shaped reddish carapace. West Atlantic Gulf of Mexico mass nesting. Pelagic migrant (0-150 m). Conservation: critically endangered, ~1000 adults. Diving: exceptional maximum protection.
Photo of Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle?
- Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) reaches 50–70 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle?
- Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is found between 0–150 m deep.
- Is the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle?
- IUCN status: Critically endangered (CR).
- Where can you find the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle?
- Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Lepidochelys
Other species in the family Cheloniidae
- Eretmochelys imbricata - Hawksbill turtle
- Chelonia mydas - Green sea turtle
- Natator depressus - Flatback turtle
- Caretta caretta - Loggerhead turtle
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137208)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2442165)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia