How Long Do Green Sea Turtles Live? And Other Questions…
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
In this series, we answer some of the most common questions about our favourite animals. Today, we’ll be exploring fun facts on green sea turtles, including food chains, life spans, habitats, and why conservation is so important.
What do green sea turtles eat?
The diet of a green sea turtle changes significantly from hatchling to adulthood. When they are young, green turtles are omnivores who get nutrients from worms, sea insects, crustaceans, jellyfish, and marine vegetation. As adults, they are herbivores who dine on algae, seaweed, and seagrass.
How much do green sea turtles weigh?
Green sea turtles are the largest species of hard-shelled sea turtle, which can weigh 150–400 pounds.
How long do green sea turtles live?
They can live to around 70 years old.
Where do green sea turtles live?
The Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and parts of the Mediterranean, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Where do green turtles sleep?
Underwater - they sleep on the sea floor, under coral reefs, or at the top of deep water.
Why do green sea turtles migrate?
There are different reasons why green sea turtles migrate. Females return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their eggs, and males migrate to these breeding grounds to mate. Environmental factors can cause migration changes, such as daylight and water temperatures.
When do green sea turtles lay eggs?
Females nest every two to five years. It depends on when in the year, geographically, and on environmental factors such as tidal lunar changes and warmer temperatures.
Who are the green turtle predators?
Eggs and hatchlings are subject to land predators like dogs, raccoons, foxes, and feral pigs. They also fall victim to birds and hungry crabs.
Despite their size, adult green sea turtles are prey to sharks, orcas, and large fish.
Why are green sea turtles at risk?
Human activity, such as bycatch, overharvesting, illegal trade, coastal development, disturbed nesting sites, and pollution, has all contributed to the decline of green sea turtles.
How many green turtles are left?
The exact number is unknown. However, in 2025, IUCN reclassified green sea turtles as a species of less concern due to a population rebound.
Why are green turtles important?
Green sea turtles are a keystone species that benefits the environment. They keep seabeds healthy by preventing overgrowth and contribute to the nutrient cycle.
Thank you for reading. Learn more about sea animals in our ‘Oceans’ workshop.
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