Lepidochelys kempii
51cm
70 sites
Kemp's Ridleys are relatively small sea turtles. Look for a nearly circular carapace (shell) that's typically grey-green in color. They have a hooked beak and five pairs of costal scutes (the bony plates on their shell). Their overall size is smaller than other sea turtles you might encounter, such as Loggerheads or Greens. Their behaviour and habitat are the best ways to identify them: if you see a small, grey-green turtle feeding in an estuary or near the coast in the South Atlantic, it's likely a Kemp's Ridley.
Cheloniidae
Imagine gliding through the warm waters of the South Atlantic or even the Indian Ocean, and suddenly, a small sea turtle appears! That might just be a Kemp's Ridley, the smallest and rarest sea turtle species. These fascinating reptiles, typically around 50cm but sometimes reaching up to 74cm, are carnivores that inhabit a variety of environments, from shallow coastal estuaries to the open ocean. While encounters are rare (they haven't been sighted at known dive sites), spotting one would be a real treat. Keep an eye out in neritic, oceanic, and epipelagic zones, as well as estuaries. Although their depth range is unknown, it's likely they'll be in shallower waters, where they hunt for crabs, jellyfish, and other tasty treats. This species is truly special due to its incredibly unique nesting behavior, known as 'arribadas'.
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
644 sites
