Green sea turtles are the world’s largest species of hard-shelled sea turtle.

The species is easily distinguished from other sea turtles because they have a single pair of prefrontal scales (scales in front of its eyes), rather than two pairs as found on other sea turtles.

Rarely observed in the open ocean, Green sea turtles usually stay near a coastline and around islands; living in bays and protected shores, especially in areas with seagrass beds.

Unlike most other sea turtles, adult green sea turtles eat a primarily plant-based diet consisting of seaweed and sea grass, with scientists believing that these green foods give the sea turtle’s fat its green colour.

Interesting Fact

Green sea turtles spend most of their lives underwater, where they can rest for up to five hours at a time before coming up for air.