The loggerhead sea turtle is named for its disproportionately large head, which houses powerful jaw muscles for crushing hard-shelled prey like molluscs and crustaceans. These reptiles migrate thousands of kilometres across ocean basins, nesting on sandy beaches in tropical and subtropical regions. Divers may encounter them in open water or near reefs, though they are now vulnerable to fishing pressure and marine pollution. Adults typically weigh 80–150 kg and can live several decades.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Order
- Testudines
- Family
- Cheloniidae
- Genus
- Caretta
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.