User:Ariel Kruger/sandbox

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is an omnivorous, ectothermic, marine reptile that is the most widely distributed of all sea turtle species. Named for its broad head, loggerheads are the largest hard-shelled turtle in the world, weighing 250 pounds and reaching lengths of about 35 inches (the Leatherback turtle is the largest sea turtle, but it’s carapace is covered by skin instead of a hard-shell). Life expectancy in loggerheads is about 50 years, although actual records of age are scarce. The loggerhead sea turtle has a distinct heart-shaped shell that is reddish-brown in color. The turtles’ hard-shell protects them from predators, such as sharks. Loggerheads are known to feed on jellyfish, barnacles, shellfish, and occasionally seaweed. Adults can reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle Scientific classification Domain: Eukaryota Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Cheloniidae Genus: Caretta Species: Caretta