What Oceans Do Sea Turtles Live In?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Green sea turtles are found around the world in warm subtropical and tropical ocean waters, and nesting occurs in over 80 countries. There are populations with different colorings and markings in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans .

What part of the ocean do sea turtles live in?

Adults of most species are found in shallow, coastal waters, bays, lagoons, and estuaries . Some also venture into the open sea. Juveniles of some species may be found in bays and estuaries, as well as at sea.

Which ocean has the most sea turtles?

The loggerhead is one of the most widespread sea turtles—found in temperate and tropical waters in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans .

Do sea turtles live in all oceans?

Sea turtles can be found all around the world , from the cold waters off California to the warm beaches of the Coral Triangle. Males never leave the ocean, while females will come ashore to lay their eggs on sandy beaches during the nesting season.

What ocean do sea turtles not live in?

Six of the seven species of sea turtles that swim the planet’s waters—leatherback, loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, green, olive ridley, and hawksbill—are found in every ocean except the Arctic and Antarctic .

What are 5 interesting facts about sea turtles?

  • They think jellyfish are delicious. ...
  • They’re the oceans’ lawnmowers. ...
  • They cannot retract into their shell like other turtles. ...
  • Temperature dictates the sex of baby turtles. ...
  • They’ve been around for a very, very long time. ...
  • They can hold their breath for five hours underwater.

Are sea turtles friendly?

Sea turtles are not aggressive unless they are in danger . However, becoming too close to them increases the risk of getting a painful bite. 6.

Are sea turtles friendly to humans?

Turtles have many endearing attributes: They are quiet, cute and unassuming. ... But, while people might feel affection toward the slow-moving creatures when they timidly poke their heads out from their shells, turtles don’t share the same friendly feelings about humans.

What was the oldest sea turtle?

Desmatochelys padillai is an extinct species of sea turtle described in 2015 and belongs to the family Protostegidae. Estimated to be more than 120 millions years old, it became the oldest known sea turtle, superseding a record earlier held by Santanachelys gaffneyi, which was described in 1998.

Do sea turtles bite?

Answer: Although these aquatic reptiles are not aggressive, they can bite you if they feel danger . Moreover, sea turtles have quite sharp beaks and powerful jaws, so their bites are usually very painful. The sea turtle’s bite often creates severe skin bruises and sometimes can break human bones.

Do sea turtles sleep underwater?

As sea turtles are air breathing reptiles, they need to surface to breathe. ... A resting or sleeping turtle can remain underwater for 4-7 hours . Recent research has shown that some turtles can even hibernate in the sea for several months!

Can turtles live up to 500 years?

Turtles and tortoises are some of the most long-lived members of the reptile family. ... Larger species such as sea turtles are estimated to live about 80 years . The giant tortoise, the largest of all land turtles, typically lives at least a century. Some have even been known to live for more than 200 years!

How many years do turtles live?

Typical Lifespans of Popular Pet Turtles in Captivity Wood Turtle 40 to 55 years Eastern Box Turtle 50+ years Painted Turtle 25 to 30 years Russian Tortoise 40+ years

Do sea turtles breathe underwater?

Sea turtles cannot breathe underwater and need to come to the surface for air. They can hold their breath underwater for as long as 4-7 hours if they are resting or sleeping.

Where do sea turtles sleep?

Sea turtles can sleep at the surface while in deep water or on the bottom wedged under rocks in nearshore waters . Many divers have seen green turtles sleeping under ledges in reefs and rocks.

Can turtles smell underwater?

Smell. Turtles smell well , both on land and under the water. They don’t have nostrils, they have bumps under their chins. These bumps, called barbels, have nerves that allow them to pick up scents.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.