Green Sea Turtle

1 Overview

The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a large, herbivorous marine turtle found in tropical seas worldwide and a global conservation focus. It is strictly protected and cannot be kept privately.

Listed here for education: like all sea turtles it is a wild, migratory species, not a pet.

2 Appearance

The carapace is heart-shaped and olive to brown (not green – the name refers to its green fat), with a small head and large paddle-like flippers. Adults reach 1-1.5 m.

3 Care & Temperament

Not keepable outside authorised aquaria and rescue centres. Major threats are bycatch, plastic, and habitat loss; many populations are recovering through protection.

4 Habitat & Environment

Coastal waters, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, with long migrations to nesting beaches.

5 Diet & Feeding

Adults are largely herbivorous, grazing seagrass and algae; juveniles are more omnivorous. Seagrass health is vital to the species.