Green Sea Turtle

Chelonia mydas

Characteristics

The green sea turtle gets its name from the greenish colour of its shell, skin and scales. Adult green sea turtles generally weigh between 110-190 kgs (240-420 lbs), with a full grown adult being able to reach lengths of 1.5 metres (5 feet). Their four flippers resemble paddles that allow it to easily swim under water and even reach speeds of up to 35 km/h. The green sea turtle has a single pair of scales in front of its eyes instead of the usual two pairs that are often found on other turtle species. The colour of its shell can vary from a blend of brown, olive, grey, or black. Its underside is generally a yellowish, or white in colour. New born turtles are dark brown or almost black, but are generally white on the dorsal side. The turtle’s jaw is serrated, which helps it chew seagrasses, corals and catch jellyfish…

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