A green sea turtle swimming above a reef in Moorea
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0
Reptile

Green Sea Turtle Facts

Chelonia mydas

ReptileTropical and subtropical oceansHerbivore

Green sea turtles are large marine reptiles that migrate between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Adults graze on seagrass and help maintain productive coastal meadows.

Habitat
Marine
Diet
Seagrass and algae; juveniles also eat small animals
Lifespan
60–70 years

Green Sea Turtle Facts at a Glance

Green sea turtles are large marine reptiles that migrate between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Adults graze on seagrass and help maintain productive coastal meadows.

It belongs to the family Cheloniidae in the order Testudines. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.

Green Sea Turtle Habitat

Green Sea Turtles live in Marine and Coastal habitats. Their recorded range includes Tropical and subtropical oceans. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.

What Do Green Sea Turtles Eat?

Green Sea Turtles have a herbivore diet that includes Seagrass and algae; juveniles also eat small animals. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.

Green Sea Turtle Lifespan, Size, and Weight

Green Sea Turtles typically live for 60–70 years. Adults measure about 80–120 cm and weigh around 65–130 kg; these ranges can vary with sex, age, environment, and access to food.

Green Sea Turtle Conservation Status

Green Sea Turtle is listed here as Endangered. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region
Tropical and subtropical oceans
Habitat
Marine, Coastal
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
60–70 years
Size
80–120 cm
Weight
65–130 kg

Fun facts

  • Females often return to the region where they hatched to lay eggs.
  • Their name refers to the colour of body fat, not the shell.
  • Salt glands near the eyes remove excess salt from seawater.
  • Adults can travel long distances between feeding and nesting areas.

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Sources and image credit

Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.