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Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Eretmochelys imbricata

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle has a stunning shell and loves to eat jellyfish. They are very graceful swimmers in the ocean!

Habitat: Coral reefs and tropical waters

Appearance

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle has a distinctive, pointed beak-like mouth and a flattened body. Its beautiful carapace is uniquely patterned with amber, brown, and black streaks, featuring overlapping scutes along its back, making it appear jagged.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyCheloniidaeGenusEretmochelys
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
ancient_lineage trait badgelongevous trait badgecoastal trait badgearmored trait badge
Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Rare

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby hawksbills are tiny, fitting in your palm when they hatch!

Eating toxic sponges makes them unappetizing to most predators!

Their unique beaks are perfect for prying food from coral crevices!

They travel thousands of miles between feeding and nesting sites!

Special abilities

Ability

Sponge Slayer

Hawksbill Sea Turtle can eat glass sponges because of its powerful beak and specialized esophagus that helps them avoid injury.

Ability

Toxic Taste

Hawksbill Sea Turtle has a diet of poisonous sponges that makes its own flesh toxic, helping them avoid predators.

Ability

Reef Navigator

Hawksbill Sea Turtle can skillfully navigate complex coral reefs because of its agile flippers, helping them find food and shelter.

Measurements & details

Length
60-90 cm
Weight
45-75 kg
Lifespan
30-50 years
Top Speed
25 km/h
Swim Speed
2.5 km/h
Clutch Size
70-200
Incubation
50-75 days
Maximum Depth
60 m

Diet & Feeding

They mostly munch on sponges and other squishy sea creatures found on coral reefs.

Primary Foods

  • sponges
  • sea anemones
  • jellyfish
  • mollusks
  • crustaceans

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo cuvier

A major predator of adult Hawksbill Sea Turtles.

eats

Chicken Liver Sponge

Chondrilla nucula

A primary food source for their specialized diet.

depends on

Massive Star Coral

Porites lutea

Provides critical habitat and crevices for shelter.

eaten by

Ghost Crab

Ocypode quadrata

Feeds on eggs and vulnerable hatchlings.

Traits

Also known as

Carey TurtleHawksbill TurtleTortoise de mer

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Hawksbill Sea Turtle?

60-90 cm

How much does Hawksbill Sea Turtle weigh?

45-75 kg

How long does Hawksbill Sea Turtle live?

30-50 years

How fast can Hawksbill Sea Turtle move?

25 km/h

What does Hawksbill Sea Turtle eat?

They mostly munch on sponges and other squishy sea creatures found on coral reefs.

How fast can Hawksbill Sea Turtle swim?

2.5 km/h

Where is Hawksbill Sea Turtle usually found?

Coral reefs and tropical waters

How does Hawksbill Sea Turtle hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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