Kemp's ridley sea turtle
Lepidochelys kempii
Family Cheloniidae - turtle, sea
Distinguishing Characteristics |
Shell disk-shaped; upper shell (carapace) color grey to olive green, the lower shell (plastron) is yellow; head large; legs flipper-like; 5 vertebral scutes (plates) and 5 pair of lateral scutes on upper shell; raised keel down center of shell; 4 inframarginal scutes (between front and back legs on lower shell, connect the plastron and carapace) with a distinct pore on each one; front flippers have 1 claw, back flippers have 2 claws; head has a hooked beak; 2 pairs of prefrontal scales (between the eyes) on head. |
Similar Species |
Resembles the loggerhead sea turtle which has only 3 inframarginal plates with no pores and 2 claws on front flippers. Its carapace is more heart-shaped. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay |
Maximum Size |
70 cm (27 1/2 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |