Turtles

Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
Types: One of the largest sea turtle species.
Habitat: Shallow coastal areas, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.
Diet: Seagrass, algae, and occasionally jellyfish.
Reproduction: Sexual; females lay eggs on sandy beaches, returning to the same nesting sites every few years.
Spotting Tips: Look for a smooth, oval shell with brown and olive hues, often grazing on seagrass.
Countries: Found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, including Australia, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean.

Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata
Types: Critically endangered species known for its beautiful shell.
Habitat: Coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky coastal areas.
Diet: Sponges, jellyfish, anemones, and other invertebrates.
Reproduction: Sexual; females nest on tropical beaches, laying multiple clutches of eggs.
Spotting Tips: Look for a pointed, narrow beak and a shell with overlapping, colorful scales.
Countries: Found in tropical waters worldwide, including the Caribbean, Seychelles, Indonesia, and Australia.

Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
Types: Large-headed sea turtle species.
Habitat: Coastal bays, estuaries, and open ocean.
Diet: Crabs, mollusks, jellyfish, and fish.
Reproduction: Sexual; females return to nest on sandy beaches, often where they were born.
Spotting Tips: Look for its large, broad head and reddish-brown shell with a rugged appearance.
Countries: Found in subtropical and temperate waters globally, including the U.S. East Coast, Japan, and the Mediterranean.

Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
Types: The largest and deepest-diving sea turtle species.
Habitat: Open ocean, often in cooler waters.
Diet: Jellyfish and other soft-bodied invertebrates.
Reproduction: Sexual; females nest on tropical beaches, laying large clutches of eggs.
Spotting Tips: Look for its large size, smooth, leathery shell with ridges and white spots.
Countries: Found globally in tropical to subpolar waters, including the U.S. West Coast, Canada, and South Africa.