Information About Sea Turtles: Species Identification Key

Trying to identify a species of sea turtle that you saw? Use the following key with diagrams to solve the mystery! Start with Number 1 and follow the links until you find the species.

1A

* Body consists of a very flexible carapace (upper part of shell) with 5 distinct dorsal ridges running the length of the animal.
* Flippers without claws
* Carapace is dark grey or black in color with white, pink or pale spots

leatherback-id

Its a Leatherback Sea Turtle

1B

* Body has a bony carapace with no ridges. Large hard scutes (scales) present
* Flippers with one or more claws

hard-shell
Go to 2 –>

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