Common name : Atlantic ridley sea turtle
Scientific name : Lepidochelys kempii
Family : Cheloniidae
Native to : Gulf of Mexico
Interesting fact : Each hatchlings has a temporary tooth called ‘caruncle’, solely for breaking open its egg shell.
Conservation status : Critically Endangered
Smallest of all sea turtles, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is characterized by a parrot-like beak and flipper-like limbs. They are found in shallow coastal waters rich in their favourite food, crab. Their mass nesting, ‘arribada’, is popular as thousands of turtles come to the shore to lay eggs. They also feed on fish, shellfish, squid and jellyfish.
