Common name : Mexican ridley, Gulf ridley
Scientific name : Lepidochelys kempii
Family : Cheloniidae
Native to : Mexico, United States
Interesting fact : Sea turtles cannot retract their heads and limbs into their shells.
Conservation status : Critically Endangered
Seven species of sea turtles are known. They can grow 6-9 feet long, 3-5 feet wide and weigh up to 680 kg. They have an anaerobic system of energy metabolism as they are always ubmerged. Females return to the shore, dig holes and lay a clutch of 50-200 soft shell eggs. They feed on animals and plants. Lifespan is 80 years.
Turtle (Atlantic Ridley)
