Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Caretta caretta
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photo by © Broward County Sea Turtle Project
Body- to 3 feet, 150-400 lbs
Identifiers- large head, heart-shaped reddish brown shell,
- skin pale yellow, tail with 3 rows of
knobs
Adaptations- powerful crushing jaws, flipper feet
Status- State/Federally listed as Threatened
Distribution- warm waters of Atlantic and Pacific,
- found on both coasts of Florida
Habitat- oceans, bays, estuaries
- sandy beaches for egg laying
Diet- shellfish, crustaceans, urchins
Fun facts
- most common sea turtle in Florida
- named for their 'large' heads
- coastal development eliminating nesting sites
- shrimp boat exclusion devices used to combat death by net drowning
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