A wide range of turtle mintage can be find in Florida , lay down the state as a prime location for observing these intriguing animal . From freshwater pond and river to coastal beach and even the open ocean , the divers habitats across the nation support many unique specie . explore the differentturtles in Floridareveals the body politic ’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty .
turtleneck in Floridavary greatly in size , shape , and behavior , ranging from small mud turtles to the massive sea turtles that grace Florida ’s shoring . Each species has trenchant characteristics that help with designation , including shell pattern , colour , and preferred environments . Learning these differences enhance the discernment of the incredible variety of turtles find throughout the state .
This clause explore 31types of turtles in Florida , provide characterization and recognition tips for each metal money . The comprehensive template helps anyone interested in identifying turtles pick out in the wild or simply expanding their noesis about Florida ’s unique turtle universe .
Different Types of Turtles Found in Florida
Yellow bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta)
The Yellow - belly out Slider is a semi - aquatic turtle known for the typical bright jaundiced patches on the side of its head and the yellow plastron ( underside of the racing shell ) , often mark off with glowering smirch . Adults typically reach 5 to 11 inch in length , with females growing importantly larger than males . Their shield is olive to dark brown with chicken striping , giving them a vibrant appearance when basking in the sun .
This turtle is most alive during the warmer months and is often seen basking on log or rocks near body of water body . It prefers still or slow - moving freshwater environments such as pool , lake , swamps , and ditch . Though in the main aquatic , it on a regular basis guess onto land to bask and nest . It is a inviolable swimmer and commonly retreat into the water when approached .
Yellow - belly Sliders are omnivorous , feeding on aquatic vegetation , algae , louse , crustacean , and small fish . Juveniles are more carnivorous , while adults be given to deplete more flora material . In Florida , they are widespread and commonly detect throughout the peninsula , especially in natural and man - made freshwater habitats with ample vegetation and basking web site .
Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta)
The Pond Slider is a extremely adaptable freshwater turtle that includes several subspecies , one of the most recognized being the Red - eared Slider . It has an oval , slightly domed shell that ranges from olive to dark brown , often with scant markings , and a plastron that may have dark spot . pornographic sizes vary from 5 to 12 inches , with females being generally declamatory .
This metal money thrive in a salmagundi of aquatic environment including pond , lakes , streams , and marshes . It is frequently observed basking on log , rocks , or banks in group . Pond Sliders are known for their allowance of human upset and can often be seen in urban urine bodies . They are diurnal and most active during day hours , specially in warm conditions .
Pond Sliders are timeserving omnivores . Their diet includes aquatic works , snail , insects , louse , and small fish . In Florida , this species is well - established in the natural state and is often regain in the same habitat as native turtle , particularly in area with plentiful aquatic vegetation and basking land site . It is consider encroaching in some portion due to competition with aboriginal mintage .
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
The Common Snapping Turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtleneck in North America , with a broken , brawny build and a powerful strung-out jaw . It has a rough , non-white brown to black carapace that can contact up to 18 inch , though most individuals are smaller . Its long bum , often as long as the shell itself , feature dinosaur - like ridge .
This mintage prefers easy - move or still consistency of pee with soft , cloudy bottom and dull aquatic vegetation . It expend most of its time submerged , with only its eyes and anterior naris exhibit above water . photograph turtles are in the first place nocturnal and are seldom seen basking . On land , they may appear aggressive , especially during the nesting season or when encounter on roads .
Common Snapping Turtles are omnivorous and highly opportunist feeders . Their diet includes aquatic plant , fish , frogs , invertebrates , carrion , and even pocket-size mammal or razzing when available . In Florida , they are find in river , lake , marshes , and even drainage ditch . Though far-flung , they are more secretive than other turtles and are often only discover when cross roads in summer .
Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)
The Common Musk Turtle , also have it away as the “ Stinkpot , ” is a small , aquatic species call for the musky odor it emits when threatened . Adults typically measure between 3 and 5 in in length . It has a vaulted , dismal - colour shell that may appear blackened , gray , or chocolate-brown , and a pointed head with two distinctive yellow stripes running from the nozzle to the neck .
This turtle is mostly aquatic and spend its life in slow - move waters like swamps , pool , and backwater of river . Unlike many other turtles , it seldom bask out of water , instead clinging to submerse branches or walk along the bottom . It is a skilled climbing iron and is occasionally see climbing scummy vegetation above the pee .
Common Musk Turtles are omnivores with a diet consisting mainly of worm , snails , small crustaceans , and plant material . They scrounge primarily at Nox and use their keen sense of odor to situate food . In Florida , they are unremarkably found in fresh water wetlands , include cypress swamps and quiet stream , especially in the central and northern parts of the state .
Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox)
TheFlorida Softshell Turtleis a large , drop polo-neck with a leathery , smooth carapace that miss the hard scutes distinctive of most turtle . Its racing shell is European olive tree to dark dark-brown and can grow up to 24 inches long , making it one of the largest fresh water turtles in Florida . It has a longsighted cervix , a snorkel - like nose , and sinewy web feet that aid in swim .
This polo-neck prefers lake , rivers , canal , and fen with flaxen or muddied bottoms where it can entomb itself for camouflage . It is extremely aquatic and rarely leaves the water except for nesting . Despite its large size , it is profligate and agile both in water supply and on land . Florida Softshells are known for their aggressive defense demeanour when threatened .
They are carnivorous and flow on Pisces , frogs , louse , crustaceans , and carrion . They often ambush fair game by lying swallow up in the sediment with only their head expose . In Florida , this coinage is widespread across the peninsula and panhandle , thriving in both lifelike and human - altered fresh water environments .
Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum)
The Eastern Mud Turtle is a small , oval - mold turtle with a smooth , domed shell that typically assess 3 to 4 inches in length . Its carapace is brown to olive , often consistent in colour , and lack any striking traffic pattern . The plastron is comparatively large and hinged , allowing the turtle to close its casing tightly when threatened . Its pelt is dark with occasional lighter markings on the caput or pharynx .
This species inhabits a blanket kitchen range of shallow freshwater environments , including marshes , ditch , swamp , and pool . It is know for being secretive and drop much of its meter buried in mud or folio bedding . Unlike many turtleneck , the Eastern Mud Turtle is more combat-ready during evenfall and dawn , and it can tolerate brief stop of terrestrial activity , especially during besotted seasons or while nesting .
Eastern Mud Turtles are omnivores , eat on insects , worms , mollusc , crustacean , and some plant life matter . They employ their strong sensation of smell to locate nutrient while walking along the bottom of the piss . In Florida , they are find throughout the northerly and central parts of the state , especially in slow - move or still waters with muddy or vegetated substratum .
Florida Red Bellied Cooter (Pseudemys nelsoni)
The Florida Red - bellied Cooter is a brilliantly colored fresh water polo-neck known for its reddish - orange plastron , which gives the metal money its name . Its carapace is oval and dark with whirl yellowish pattern , and adults can grow to 8 to 15 inches long . The species is often befuddle with other cooters , but its red belly and two low-cal stripes on the principal help differentiate it .
This turtle inhabit rivers , lakes , pool , and marshes with abundant aquatic flora . It prefers clear , tardily - actuate or still waters and is commonly see basking on logs or rock . The Florida Red - bellied Cooter is diurnal and most active during daylight hours . It is also one of the few turtles known to occasionally nestle in alligator nests , mayhap for added protection from vulture .
Primarily herbivorous , the Florida Red - bellied Cooter feeds on aquatic plant life , algae , and occasionally little invertebrate . juvenile may go through more protein , but adult are mostly plant eater . This species is ascertain almost exclusively in the Florida peninsula , lay out from the panhandle down through the cardinal and southerly part .
Coastal Plain Cooter (Pseudemys floridana)
The Coastal Plain Cooter is a prominent freshwater turtle with a dark olive to black carapace marked by wanton vertical lines or swirls . The plastron is yellow and unremarkably unmarked . Adults can make up to 13 inch in length . It has a relatively flavorless shell and a foresighted , stripy head with yellow lines extend down the neck opening and limbs .
This specie prefers large , open consistency of body of water such as rivers , lakes , and swamp . It is an avid basker and is often seen stack with others on logs or cant . The Coastal Plain Cooter is a strong swimmer and rarely guess far from water , except during the nesting season . It is most active during the warmer months and often seen in groups .
The diet is mainly herbivorous , consist of aquatic flora , algae , and occasionally invertebrates . Its alimentation habits help check excessive flora growth in its habitat . In Florida , the Coastal Plain Cooter is found primarily in the northern and westerly regions , including the Panhandle , where it shares habitats with other cooter and basking polo-neck species .
Peninsula Cooter (Pseudemys peninsularis)
The Peninsula Cooter is a visually striking turtleneck with an oval , glum shield model with intricate icteric - orange lines . Its plastron is yellowed and ordinarily innocent of markings , while the head features prominent chickenhearted stripes . Adults can grow up to 15 inches , progress to it one of the magnanimous fresh water turtle in Florida .
This species is native to the Florida peninsula and is commonly ground in slow - prompt rivers , lake , springs , and fenland with abundant aquatic plant life . It is a frequent basker and is often seen on rock music , log , or floating flora . Peninsula Cooters are extremely aquatic and favor percipient , affectionate water with copious sunlight and submerged flora for feeding and shelter .
Peninsula Cooters are in the main herbivores , feeding on avariety of aquatic plantsand algae . Juveniles may exhaust more brute matter , but works - based diet overlook in maturity . This turtle is wide broadcast across the key and southerly Florida peninsula , thriving in both lifelike and suburban freshwater environments with low current and plenty of vegetation .
River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna)
The River Cooter is a orotund fresh water turtleneck with a dark , slightly vaulted cuticle that exhibit graphic yellow to orange markings , often in concentric or irregular swirls . Its plastron is yellow with diverge dark patch , and it has a striped psyche and tree branch . Adults can accomplish up to 12 to 16 inch , with females raise larger than males .
It favors great river , spring - fed streams , and lakes with temperate to stiff current and clear water . This species is extremely aquatic but frequently climb onto log or rock to relish . It is a riotous swimmer and expend its strong limbs to navigate flowing weewee . River Cooters are often seen coexisting with other basking turtle in suitable habitats .
The River Cooter is mainly herbivorous , feeding on aquatic flora , alga , and from time to time invertebrates like snails and insect . In Florida , it is found primarily in the northern part of the state , particularly in river and clear streams with arenaceous or rocky underside and practiced flora . Its scope overlap with several other river cooter mintage , but its preferred riverine home ground set it asunder .
Loggerhead Musk Turtle (Sternotherus minor)
The Loggerhead Musk Turtle is a small to intermediate - sized mintage known for its magnanimous , broad head with strong jaws and blunt rostrum . Its carapace is typically olive to embrown with black spots or streak , and it has a relatively domed and narrow-minded cuticle that can turn over about 3 to 5 inch in distance . The skin is usually grayish with lighter marking on the head and neck .
This turtleneck prefers clear , spring - fed rivers and streams with rough or sandy bottoms . It is an aquatic species that often enshroud under submerged logarithm , rocks , or leaf debris and is not commonly see basking . Unlike many other turtles , the Loggerhead Musk Turtle is slow - moving and drop most of its metre underwater , using its strong head and jaw to scrounge .
Carnivorous by nature , it feeds on snails , crustacean , aquatic insects , and small fish . Its brawny jaw are well - adapted for crushing severely - shelled quarry . In Florida , the Loggerhead Musk Turtle is found chiefly in the northern and central parts of the state , especially in the Suwannee River drainage and other bound organisation where light , oxygen - racy waters support its food source .
Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii)
The Striped Mud Turtle is a small , distinctive polo-neck distinguish by the three light chevron unravel the duration of its dark brown or black carapace . Its shell is fluid and slimly domed , reaching 3 to 4 inches in length . The head is striped with yellow lines , and the plastron is pale with saturnine seams and a hinge front lobe .
Highly adaptable , this turtle dwell a spacious orbit of fresh water environment include marshes , canals , swamps , and ditches . It is oft seen intersect land , especially during showery seasons , and is more mundane than many other clay turtle . The Striped Mud Turtle is most combat-ready during warm calendar month and often tunnel into clay or under vegetation during dry geological period .
Its diet includes insect , worms , snail , and some plant stuff . It forages in shallow water and muddy country using its good sense of smell and probing snout . In Florida , the Striped Mud Turtle is found throughout the peninsula and southern regions , especially in home ground with a mixing of aquatic and sublunar cover and balmy substrates .
Florida Mud Turtle (Kinosternon steindachneri)
The Florida Mud Turtle is a small , moody - color turtleneck endemic to Florida . It has a liquid , dome - mould browned or grayish cuticle and a hinged plastron that allows it to come together up tightly for protection . adult loosely assess around 3 to 4 inches in duration . Its headland and limbs are normally benighted , and the eyes may have a light gang around them .
This species favor tranquil , shallow body of water such as Marsh , pissed prairies , ditches , and pond , often with sandy or muddy bottoms . It is also known for being fairly tellurian and can be see traveling across state , particularly during loaded seasons or after heavy rains . The Florida Mud Turtle is tough and tends to stay concealed in vegetation or soft substratum .
It feeds on a blanket sort of animate being matter including insects , worms , snails , and small crustacean . now and again , it may have aquatic plants or alga . As its name indicate , the Florida Mud Turtle is found only in Florida , especially in the central and southern parts of the peninsula where sandy soils and low - lying wetland are plebeian .
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
The Painted Turtle is a colorful and well recognisable freshwater polo-neck with a smooth , flat shield that is olive to black and edged in red or orange . Its plastron is bright white-livered or orange with a distinctive dour splotch in the center . The head , neck , and limbs are mark with bluff yellow and red stripes . Adults range from 4 to 10 inches in length .
This species prefers ponds , lakes , slow - move stream , and Marsh with soft bottom and ample basking blot . It is diurnal and often seen bask in group on logs or rock and roll . Painted Turtles are strong swimmers and typically hibernate in the mud at the bottom of their water bodies during colder month .
They are omnivores , feeding on aquatic vegetation , alga , insect , snails , and small Pisces the Fishes . Juveniles run to go through more animal matter , while adults include more flora material in their diet . In Florida , Painted Turtles are not as widespread as in northerly states but can be find in the northern regions of the body politic , in particular in suitable quiet piddle habitats .
Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)
The Diamondback Terrapin is a singular brackish - water supply turtle with a light grey to whitish skin covered in grim spots and a luxuriously - vaulted , patterned carapace that ranges from gray to embrown with concentrical marking . Its shield can measure 5 to 9 inches long , and its distinctively spotted or streaked font makes it easy to recognize .
Unlike most freshwater turtles , the Diamondback Terrapin inhabit in salt marsh , tidal creeks , estuaries , and mangroves . It is well - adapt to brackish environs and can tolerate variation in salinity . These turtles are diurnal and drop a spate of time swimming and scrounge in shallow coastal waters , often coming ashore to bask or nest on sandy banks .
They are carnivorous and primarily fee on crustaceans , mollusks , worms , and little fish , using their firm jaws to crush shells . In Florida , Diamondback Terrapins are found along the Atlantic and Gulf seacoast , particularly in salt marshes from the Panhandle to the Keys , though they are moot uncommon and are of preservation concern due to habitat deprivation and nest predation .
Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)
The Spotted Turtle is a little , semi - aquatic species recognized by its smooth , black carapace adorned with distinctive shiny scandalmongering spot . These spots also appear on the head , neck opening , and limb , though their turn and musical arrangement vary among individual . Adults generally measure between 3.5 to 5 inch in shell length , make them one of the smallest turtle in Florida .
This turtle favor shallow , fresh , and vegetated wetland such as marshland , bogs , swamp , and vernal pools . It is primarily active in the outpouring and becomes dormant during the hot parts of summertime and coldest division of wintertime . Spotted Turtles are know for their secretive behavior and are often bury under leaf litter or hiding among submerge plants .
Their diet consist of small invertebrate like worms , snails , louse , and occasionally industrial plant fabric . Spotted Turtles are most normally recover in northerly Florida , particularly in the Panhandle , where isolated and pristine wetland habitats rest . Due to habitat loss and aggregation pressures , they are consider a species of conservation vexation .
Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
The Gopher Tortoise is a terra firma - harp tortoise with a vaulted , browned to grey eggshell and unassailable , shovel - like front legs adapted for digging . grownup typically reach 9 to 15 in in distance . The plastron is xanthous and prostrate , and the skin is thick and scaly , helping it expand in ironical , sandlike environs .
This species is famous for its burrow demeanor , make foresightful and deep tunnel that provide shelter not only for itself but for over 350 other species , take in it a keystone species in its ecosystem . Gopher Tortoises are diurnal , herbivorous , and feed on a change of pasturage , weeds , wild flower , and fruits . They are alone and can live for several tenner in static environments .
Gopher Tortoises are found throughout the sandy upland of Florida , including pine flatwoods , scrub , coastal sand dune , and dry prairie . They are most vernacular in cardinal and northern Florida but can be found statewide . Due to habitat wipeout and human interference , they are protected under state law and are a campaigner for Union security .
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is a large marine polo-neck mention for its monumental , broad principal and sinewy jaw . It has a reddish - brown cuticle that can grow up to 3 feet in length and weigh over 250 pound . The flipper are thick-skulled and boat paddle - like , adapted for tenacious - space ocean locomotion .
This sea polo-neck spends most of its life-time in the open sea and coastal areas , often shop at bays , estuary , and continental shelves . Females arrive ashore primarily at night to nest on sandlike beaches , where they lie their eggs in thick Inferno . Nesting typically occurs from later spring through summertime . Loggerheads are get it on for their longsighted migrations between feeding and nesting arena .
Their dieting consists mostly of hard - shell prey such as crabs , mollusks , and sea urchin , using their unassailable jaws to crush them . Florida hosts one of the large nesting population of Loggerhead Sea Turtles in the humankind , especially along the Atlantic coast from Brevard to Palm Beach County , as well as in the Gulf Coast region .
Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia)
The Chicken Turtle is a average - sized fresh water polo-neck with a foresighted neck and an ellipse - shaped , dark brown to olive shell patterned with a net - similar yellowish reticulation . Adults get to about 6 to 10 in in length . The legs and neck have yellow stripes , and the plastron is yellow or cream - colored .
This mintage prefers still or slow - moving freshwater habitats such as pool , marshes , ditch , and cypress tree swampland , often with impenetrable vegetation . Chicken Turtles are known for being semi - terrene , often traveling over land in search of new habitats or during nesting . They are participating mostly during cool calendar month and may aestivate during raging summer periods .
Omnivorous in diet , they eat aquatic invertebrates , small Pisces the Fishes , amphibian , and flora thing . Chicken Turtles are widely distributed across Florida , particularly in the northerly and central realm , but they are more frequently bump in the Panhandle and Union - primal areas with desirable wetland systems .
Suwannee Cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis)
The Suwannee Cooter is a large freshwater polo-neck and a subspecies of the River Cooter , signalise by its dark , often blackish shell with intricate yellow to orange mark and swirls . The cuticle can reach up to 13 inch in length , and the plastron is yellow with dark paint along the seams . The head and limbs have thin , pale stripes .
This turtle is primarily aquatic and inhabit river , springs , and big stream with potent currents and clear water . It is often see basking on logs or rock during the sidereal day and is a strong natator . The Suwannee Cooter is know for being shy and speedy to plunge when approached , spending much of its meter submerged .
It feed in mainly on aquatic plant , alga , and at times invertebrates . The Suwannee Cooter is find only in the Suwannee River system in northerly Florida and southerly Georgia . Due to its special scope and declining populations , this polo-neck is consider a coinage of business organisation and is protect from harvesting in Florida .
Barbour’s Map Turtle (Graptemys barbouri)
Barbour ’s Map Turtle is a visually striking species with a dark , keeled carapace marked by faint yellowish argument and large spines or thickening along the center rooftree , peculiarly outstanding in males . female person are much great than males , sometimes reaching up to 12 inches in shell distance , while males rarely overstep 5 column inch . Both sex activity exhibit chickenhearted stripes on the head teacher and cervix and a dark splotch behind each eye .
This species prefers cleared , tight - move freshwater rivers with sandlike or rocky bottoms and abundant basking sites like logs and rock music . It is extremely aquatic and spends much of its prison term drown or basking . Barbour ’s Map Turtle is diffident and quick to retrograde into the H2O when agitate , often dive and swim with agility .
Their diet motley by sex activity , with females primarily consuming intemperately - trounce prey like snail and mussel thanks to their strong jaws , while males feed more on insect and other invertebrate . In Florida , Barbour ’s Map Turtle is found only in river of the Panhandle , especially the Apalachicola and Chipola Rivers , take a crap it a localised but far-famed species .
Escambia Map Turtle (Graptemys ernsti)
The Escambia Map Turtle is a uncommon and localized species with a dark Olea europaea case feature fine xanthous lines resembling a topographical function . Like other map turtles , it has a outstanding keel along the back , and male are importantly smaller than females . The species can be identified by the crescent - form mark behind the eye and subtle scale patterning .
It inhabit large , swift - flow river with abundant basking site and unclouded , arenaceous or rocky substrates . Escambia Map Turtles are secretive and remain close to the water , basking frequently on come down log . Their activity peaks during warmer months , and they often hide under submerged logs or along the riverbed when threatened .
These turtle course mainly on aquatic invertebrate , include snails and insect , with females eat large and hard prey . In Florida , they are find entirely in the Escambia River drainage in the far western Panhandle . Their restricted range and dependence on pristine river habitat make them vulnerable to environmental mental disorder .
False Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica)
The False Map Turtle is a medium - sized turtle with an olive to dark brownish shell adorned with light-headed product line that form a map - same form . A low keel run along the center of the carapace , and a distinguishable backward L- or S - form sign is present behind each eye . Adult females can arrive at 10 inches in length , while Male typically remain under 6 inch .
This turtle prefers large rivers and behind - moving waters with abundant basking sites and aquatic vegetation . It is extremely aquatic , basking frequently during the day and diving event when upset . False Map Turtles are good swimmers and spend much of their meter forage underwater or resting along submerged structures .
Their dieting include aquatic insects , mollusks , crustacean , and some plant matter . In Florida , they are not native but may on occasion be found in the extreme northwestern part of the Panhandle , likely introduced or drifting from neighboring state . Their front is rare and considered peripheral in the res publica .
Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtleneck in the cosmos , with a furrowed , dinosaur - like coming into court . It has a monolithic question , herculean beak - like jaw , and a ridged carapace with three spectacular keels . Adults can weigh over 150 Ezra Pound and have a dark-skinned brown to blackish shell with a long , spiked after part .
This species lives in deep river , lake , and swamps with behind - moving water and abundant submersed structures . It is mostly sedentary and spends most of its meter on the river bottom , using its insect - like tongue to lure Pisces into its open backtalk . Alligator Snapping Turtles are nocturnal and highly recluse .
They feed on fish , amphibians , carrion , and even other turtleneck , using ambush tactics rather than dynamic search . In Florida , they are primarily find in the Panhandle in river systems connected to the Apalachicola , Escambia , and Choctawhatchee Rivers . They are a protect mintage due to historic overharvesting and habitat degradation .
Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)
The Spiny Softshell Turtle is well acknowledge by its two-dimensional , pancake - similar body and leathery , flexible shell underwrite with pocket-sized acantha or bump along the front edge . The coloration is olive to tan with dark spots or blotches . Males are smaller and more pattern than the bigger , less colorful females , which can reach up to 18 inches in shell distance .
It is a highly aquatic species that prefer river , lakes , and streams with sandy or muddy bottom . Spiny Softshells are fast swimmers and agile in the water , often burying themselves in the substrate with just their eyes and beak exposed . They are chiefly diurnal and drop much time bask on riverside or log .
Their diet include fish , insects , sea crawfish , and other aquatic invertebrate , as well as some flora matter . In Florida , they are found mainly in the northern and westerly parts of the DoS , including the Panhandle . They are less commonly seen than the Florida Softshell Turtle but are present in suitable habitats with sportsmanlike water and open flaxen areas .
Smooth Softshell Turtle (Apalone mutica)
The Smooth Softshell Turtle has a distinctively flat , pancake - like dead body with a smooth , leathery shell that lack the spines assure in other softshell turtles . Its coloration typically ranges from olive to tan , often with subtle dark blot or blotch across the carapace . Males are generally smaller and more brightly patterned than female person , which can grow up to about 15 inch in shell distance .
This coinage prefers readable , slowly - moving river , flow , and ponds with sandy or muddy derriere where it can well bury itself for camouflage and protection . It is an quick swimmer , spending much of its time underwater and quickly escaping threats by swimming away or hiding under the substratum . Smooth Softshell Turtles are often seen bask on arenaceous Sir Joseph Banks or logs .
Their dieting consists mainly of aquatic insects , pocket-size fish , and crustaceans . In Florida , the Smooth Softshell Turtle is found chiefly in the northerly and panhandle regions , inhabiting clean fresh water systems with abundant sand or mud bottoms suited for burrowing and foraging .
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The Green Sea Turtle is a great , herbivorous marine turtle named for the greenish colour of its torso fat rather than its eggshell , which is usually a smooth European olive tree or brownish with radiating patterns . grown turtles can attain up to 4 foot in shell length and weigh up to 700 pounds . They have a streamlined shell and boat paddle - corresponding flippers adapted for long - distance swimming in the ocean .
Green Sea Turtles primarily dwell coastal waters , coral reefs , and seagrass beds where they graze on marine botany . They are know for their migrant behavior , often traveling with child distances between alimentation grounds and nesting beaches . These polo-neck are generally slow bather but open of sustained campaign over long aloofness .
In Florida , Green Sea Turtles nest mainly along the Atlantic coast and the Florida Keys during affectionate months . They feed in primarily on seagrass and alga , playing an significant role in maintaining good for you seagrass ecosystem . Their population is protected due to preceding declines because of habitat exit and human activities .
Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the largest of all ocean turtles and has a unique leathery carapace without hard scutes , distinguished by seven longitudinal ridges running down its back . grownup can exceed 6 human foot in distance and weigh over 1,500 pounds , making them an impressive sight in the ocean . Their dreary carapace is often mottled withwhite spots .
leathery turtle are highly migrant and subject of diving to great deepness in the open ocean . They chiefly feed on jellyfish and other delicate - bodied prey , using sharp , backward - pointing spines in their throats to preclude their slippy food for thought from escaping . Unlike other sea turtles , they bear cold water and are obtain in both tropic and temperate sea .
In Florida , Leatherback Sea Turtles occasionally nest along the Atlantic coast but are more usually seen offshore . Due to their extensive range and deep - water habit , they are less oft encountered near shoring but remain an important mintage for marine preservation efforts because of their threatened condition .
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
Kemp ’s Ridley Sea Turtle is the smallest of the ocean turtles , typically measure around 2 foot in shell length and weigh up to 100 pounds . Its carapace is heart - determine and olive - greyness to greenish in vividness . This metal money is extremely distinctive due to its unequaled nesting behavior , which involve slew synchronized nesting case call arribadas .
This turtle favor shallow coastal amniotic fluid where it feed primarily on crabs and other crustacean . Kemp ’s ridley are unattackable swimmers and often forage tight to shoring . They are also known for their short - space migrations between nest beaches and feeding domain . Their nesting sites are mostly concentrated along the Gulf Coast .
In Florida , Kemp ’s Ridley Sea Turtles are observed mainly in the Gulf of Mexico region . preservation endeavor have helped increase their numbers after severe diminution because of egg harvesting and fishing bycatch . They are one of the most endangered sea polo-neck but remain a focus of recovery programs .
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is easily recognized by its pointed beak - same mouth and imbrication , serrate scutes on its shell , giving it a notched appearing . Its shell features beautiful patterns of amber , brown , and yellow , often with a mottled or streaky look . adult gain about 2.5 to 3 ft in casing distance and weigh around 100 to 150 pounds .
Hawksbills inhabit coral reefs and rocky coastlines , where they feed mainly on sponge , which constitute the majority of their dieting , along with other invertebrates . Their unassailable jaw allow them to elicit food from crevices . These turtles are often find out basking on coral ledges or resting underwater within Witwatersrand complex body part .
In Florida , Hawksbill Sea Turtles are most commonly see in the Florida Keys and along the southeastern coast , peculiarly near coral reef . They are critically endangered due to habitat release , poach for their beautiful shells , and bycatch in sportfishing gear , leading to important conservation attention .
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle is a intermediate - sized ocean turtle with a tranquil , olive - super acid to grayish cuticle that is comparatively round and slightly flatten . Adults typically measure around 2 foot in shell length and librate up to 100 pounds . Their name get from the olive coloration of their cuticle .
This species is known for its unique mass nestle conduct called arribadas , where thousands of female person come ashore simultaneously to pose eggs on select beaches . Olive Ridleys prefer warm , tropical pee and feed primarily on jellyfish , runt , crabmeat , and algae . They are warm swimmer and often inhabit coastal and offshore waters .
In Florida , Olive Ridley Sea Turtles are rare visitors , usually date in offshore water rather than nesting on beaches . Sightings are rare but significant for understanding the chain and migration of this species . They are consider vulnerable due to menace such as habitat destruction and by-catch .
