divepix - Green Turtle

Green Turtle

Aspect:	Oval flying saucer-like carapace, with relatively smooth light brown upper plates. The carapace is bordered by a number of smaller plates forming a relatively rough edge.
Population:	Now abundant, after near extinction in the early 1990s.
Notable feature:	Compared to the Hawsbill turtle, it has blunt upper beak. See top left picture (below) for subtle differences with Hawksbill Turtle. Often the unwilling transport of Remoras and Sharksuckers.
Environment:	Found in open waters, but more often in alga and grass-covered sea-bottoms in sheltered bays where they can be seen grazing. Unlike the Hawksbill turtle, it essentially is herbivore.
Behaviour:	Always a sweet sight, will not be too bothered by a quiet, non aggressive swimmer, but is more wary than the generally larger Hawksbill Turtle.

More in this category: Hawksbill Turtle »