Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Lepidochelys olivacea

The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle is a small turtle with a beautiful olive-colored shell. They are known for their amazing nesting events called 'arribadas'!

Habitat: Tropical and subtropical oceans

Appearance

The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle is relatively small, with a heart-shaped or rounded carapace that is typically olive-green to grayish-green. Its underside is paler, and it uniquely possesses 5 to 9 pairs of lateral scutes on its shell, more than most other sea turtles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyCheloniidaeGenusLepidochelys

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Interesting facts

Hatchlings rush to the ocean, guided by the moonlight on the water!

It's one of the smallest sea turtles, weighing less than a person!

Their shells can have 5 to 9 side scutes, unique among sea turtles!

They are named 'Ridley' because their shells are an olive-green color!

Special abilities

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle can perform "arribadas," where thousands nest together, making egg-laying safer and more efficient.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle has powerful lungs that help them hold their breath for over an hour and dive deep for food.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle can travel thousands of miles using Earth's magnetic field to find their way back to nesting beaches.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle has special glands near its eyes that help them cry out excess salt from the ocean water they drink.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-75 cm
Weight: 35-50 kg
Lifespan: 30-50 years
Top Speed: 35 km/h
Swim Speed: 10 km/h
Clutch Size: 100-150
Incubation: 45-60 days
Max Depth: 150 m

Diet & Feeding

They are carnivores that feast on small sea creatures like crabs, shrimp, and jellyfish found on the ocean floor.

Primary Foods

crabs
shrimp
snails
jellyfish
tunicates

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo cuvier

Adults are prey for large sharks.

eats

Moon Jellyfish

Aurelia aurita

They feed on various jellyfish species.

eats

Flower Crab

Portunus pelagicus

Crabs are a significant part of their diet.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.

Armored

Find creatures protected by tough, hard coverings, almost like a natural shield! This armor helps keep them safe from harm in the wild.

Aquatic

Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.

Marine

Dive into the vast, salty waters of the ocean, teeming with an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales! It's a watery wonderland.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.