Hawksbill Sea Turtle

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About Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Hawksbill turtles are found throughout the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They avoid deep waters, preferring coastlines where sponges are abundant and sandy nesting sites are within reach.

They are normally found near reefs rich in the sponges they like to feed on. Hawksbills are omnivorous and will also eat mollusks, marine algae, crustaceans, sea urchins, fish, and jellyfish. Their hard shells protect them from many predators, but they still fall prey to large fish, sharks, crocodiles, octopuses, and humans.

Fast Facts

Type: Reptile

Diet: Carnivore

Average life span in the wild: 30 to 50 years (est.)

Size: 24 to 45 in (62.5 to 114 cm)

Weight: 100 to 150 lbs (45 to 68 kg)

Did you know? Young hawksbill turtles are unable to dive deep and spend their early years floating amongst sea plants near the water’s surface.

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