Today there are more than 250 species of turtles in the world. Only seven of those species are sea turtles. There are differences among the turtle species as well as similarities. All species have special characteristics to help them in their natural environment. They all have streamlined bodies and large flippers. These features help them to dive and swim.

Unlike many other turtle species, the sea turtle cannot pull its head into its shell. This is due to the fact that sea turtles have limited space within their shells. The shells are flatter than other turtles to make them streamlined for water travel. Sea turtles also have larger swimming muscles inside their shells.

These are the seven sea turtles of the world

Loggerhead turtle

• Latin name: Caretta Caretta
• Heart shaped Shell
• Head is relatively large
• Strong, Heavy beak
• Front flippers have 2 visible claws
• Back flippers have 2-3
• Adults weigh about 250 – 350 pounds ( 114 – 159 Kg)

Green Turtle

• Latin name Chelonia mydas
• Head is relatively small
• Serrated beak
• Each flipper has 1 developed claw
• Adult weight: about 300 pounds

Hawksbill Turtle

• Latin name Eretmochelys imbricate
• Narrow head
• Hawklike beak
• Flippers usually have 2 claws
• Adult weight is about 100 – 250 pounds ( 45 – 114 kg)

Kemp’s Ridley Turtle

• Latin name Lepidocheklys Kempii
• Shell nearly round and flattened
• Large jaws
• Adult weight is about 85 to 100 pounds ( 39 – 45 kg)

Olive Ridley Turtle

• Latin name is Lepidochelys olivacea
• Shell is nearly round
• The adult weight is about 80 – 100 pounds ( 36 – 45 Kg)

Flatback Turtle

• Latin name Natator depressus
• Shell is nearly round and flattened
• Flippers have 1 obvious claw
• Adult weight is about 160 pounds ( 73 Kg)

Leatherback Turtle

• Latin name is Dermochelys coriacea
• Body is covered by leathery skin
• No scales on the adults
• Flippers have no visible claws
• Shell has ridges running the length of the turtle
• Adult weight is 440 – 2,000 pounds ( 200 – 900 Kg)