Cheloniidae
The Cheloniidae is a family of sea turtles, comprising seven extant species: the green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, olive ridley sea turtle, flatback sea turtle, and leatherback sea turtle. The family is part of the order Testudines, which includes all turtles and tortoises. Cheloniidae are distinguished from other sea turtles by their streamlined bodies, flipper-like limbs, and the presence of a bony shell that protects their vital organs. These turtles are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, and play an important role in marine ecosystems.
Common Names
The Cheloniidae family is commonly known as sea turtles, and each species has its own unique common name:
- Green sea turtle: Chelonia mydas
- Loggerhead sea turtle: Caretta caretta
- Hawksbill sea turtle: Eretmochelys imbricata
- Kemp's ridley sea turtle: Lepidochelys kempii
- Olive ridley sea turtle: Lepidochelys olivacea
- Flatback sea turtle: Natator depressus
- Leatherback sea turtle: Dermochelys coriacea
Characteristics
Cheloniidae are characterized by their streamlined bodies, adapted for swimming in the ocean. They have flipper-like limbs that allow them to propel themselves through the water. Their shells are covered in bony scutes and can be either smooth or ridged. Sea turtles have large, powerful jaws that are used to crush their prey, which consists mainly of crustaceans, molluscs, and jellyfish. They also have a unique salt gland, located near their eyes, that allows them to excrete excess salt from their bodies.
Environments
Cheloniidae are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are typically found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and open ocean. Some species, like the green sea turtle, are known to travel long distances between their feeding and breeding grounds. Sea turtles play an important role in marine ecosystems, as they help to control populations of their prey and contribute to the health of coral reefs.
References
- Wikipedia: Cheloniidae
- NOAA Fisheries: Sea Turtles
- Sea Turtle Conservancy