Sea Turtle

Sea turtles belong to the family Cheloniidae (hard-shelled sea turtles) and Dermochelyidae (leatherback).

Here’s the breakdown:

Family Cheloniidae (hard-shelled sea turtles)

These have bony shells covered with scutes (scales). Genera include:

• Caretta – Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
• Chelonia – Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
• Eretmochelys – Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
• Lepidochelys – Ridley sea turtles: Kemp’s ridley (L. kempii) and Olive ridley (L. olivacea)
• Natator – Flatback turtle (Natator depressus), found mainly in northern Australia

Family Dermochelyidae

Only one living genus:

• Dermochelys – Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)