Olive Ridley Sea Turtle [Lepidochelys olivacea]
Description
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle is a small species of sea turtle known for its olive-colored shell. It inhabits tropical and warm waters, particularly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This species is famous for its mass nesting behavior, known as 'arribadas', where thousands of females come ashore to lay eggs simultaneously. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on jellyfish, snails, crabs, and shrimp. Notable features include a heart-shaped carapace, a relatively small head, and paddle-like limbs.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Reptiles
Reptilia
|
| Order |
Sea Turtles
Testudines
|
| Family |
Green Sea Turtles
Cheloniidae
|
| Genus |
Olive Ridley
Lepidochelys
|