Loggerhead
(Caretta caretta) The Loggerhead is the most common sea turtle species in the southeastern United States, with the east coast of Florida being a very active breeding area. Loggerheads are easily identified by their log-shaped heads, which often measure around 10 inches. Their powerful jaw muscles aid them in
crushing their food.
Length: 38 - 45 inches
Weight: 250 - 400 pounds
Distribution: Subtropical areas, all oceans
Diet: Mollusks and crabs
ESA Status: threatened

Green
(Chelonia mydas) Green turtles are not actually green. Their name refers to the color of their body fat. Young turtles eat a wide variety of foods, but the diet changes as they reach adulthood. As adults, green sea turtles are exclusively herbivores, or plant eaters. They eat algae and sea grass which turns their body fat green. Their heads are smaller than other sea turtle species, and the ends of their lower jaws are serrated. They have become endangered in Florida through centuries of being hunted for their meat and eggs.
Length: 25 - 43 inches
Weight: 250 - 400 pounds
Distribution: Tropical and subtropical
Diet: Sea grasses and algae
ESA Status: Endangered

Leatherback
(Dermochelys coriacea) Leatherback turtles are the largest of all marine reptiles and are the only sea turtles without hard shells. Their black and white shells lack scales and are covered instead with a rubbery skin, distinguished by seven longitudinal keels or ridges. The leatherback unlike other species, can regulate it’s body temperature, enabling it to dive deeper and to migrate thousands of miles.
Length: 60 - 100 inches
Weight: 710 -1300 pounds
Distribution: Nest in tropics, can wander to sub-Artic waters
Diet: Jellyfish
ESA Status: Endangered

Kemp's Ridley
(Lepidochelys kempii) The most endangered of all the sea turtles. The species was named after Richard Kemp, who helped discover them. These turtles come ashore in daylight and nest in groups. The are among the smallest sea turtles, with broadly ovalshaped shells, usually olive gray in color.
Length: 23 - 26 inches
Weight: Up to 100 pounds
Distribution: Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic
Diet: Crabs and mollusks
ESA Status: Endangered

Hawksbill
(Eretmochelys imbricata) Hawksbill turtles are named for their distinct hawk-like beaks. The thick overlapping scales of their shells were once sought after for jewelry, tortoiseshell combs, and other ornaments. Sadly, this demand has brought the species very near to extinction.
Length: 28 - 36 inches
Weight: 80 - 140 pounds
Distribution: Tropical oceans worldwide
Diet: Invertebrates, vegetation and sponges
ESA Status: Endangered