The Most Popular Sea Turtle, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the sea turtle you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:48
In the depths of our oceans, sea turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, yet many of us are familiar with only a handful of these fascinating creatures. By ranking the most beloved sea turtles, we gain a clearer perspective on public awareness and preferences, which can help direct conservation efforts where they are most needed.
This list of popular sea turtles is dynamically shaped by your votes, reflecting real-time changes in public opinion and interest. Each vote contributes to a broader understanding, helping to highlight the turtles that capture the hearts of people around the world and underscoring the importance of their survival.
What Is the Most Popular Sea Turtle?
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196votes
Brocken Inaglory · CC BY-SA 3.0The green sea turtle is the most common species of sea turtle and is found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. It is named for its green fat, which is caused by its herbivorous diet.The Green Sea Turtle, also known as Chelonia mydas, is a captivating marine reptile beloved for its vibrant green coloration and graceful movements. It is one of the most beautiful animals on Earth, captivating observers with its elegant appearance.- Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
- Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length
- Weight: Up to 700 pounds (317.5 kilograms)
- Habitat: Tropical and subtropical coastal waters worldwide
- Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrasses and algae
Green Sea Turtle in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful animal on Earth
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235votesThe loggerhead sea turtle is the most widespread sea turtle in the world and is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It is named for its large head and powerful jaws, which allow it to eat hard-shelled prey.The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) is a species of sea turtle that is widely recognized for its large head and strong jaws. They are one of the most popular sea turtle species and are found in various oceans around the world.
- Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
- Average Size: Around 2.5 to 3.5 feet (0.8 to 1.1 meters) in shell length
- Weight: Up to 400 pounds (180 kilograms)
- Habitat: Coastal and oceanic waters
- Lifespan: Up to 50-60 years
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321votes
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0The hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered species found in tropical waters worldwide. It is named for its distinctive beaked head and is known for its beautiful, patterned shell.The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a critically endangered species of sea turtle that inhabits tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It gets its name from its narrow, pointed beak that resembles a hawk's bill. These turtles are known for their beautiful, colorful shells, which have made them targets for the illegal trade in tortoiseshell products. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle plays a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by feeding on sponges and other invertebrates, helping to keep the ecosystem in balance.- Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
- Size: Adults can reach a length of 60-90 cm (24-35 in)
- Weight: Adults usually weigh between 45-90 kg (100-200 lbs)
- Lifespan: Up to 30-50 years
Hawksbill Sea Turtle in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular endangered species
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414votesThe leatherback sea turtle is the largest sea turtle and is found in all the world's oceans. It is named for its unique, leathery shell and is known for its long migrations and deep diving abilities.The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the largest species of sea turtle and is well-known for its unique leathery shell. It is an ancient reptile that has existed for over 100 million years.
- Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
- Size: Up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) in length
- Weight: Up to 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms)
- Shell: Leathery, with unique ridges and flexible skin
- Feeding: Primarily jellyfish, but also eats other soft-bodied organisms
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520votes
uploaded by Johntex · Public domainThe Kemp's ridley sea turtle is one of the most endangered sea turtles and is found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the East Coast of the United States. It is named for Richard Kemp, who first described the species. -
66votes
Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0The olive ridley sea turtle is found in warm waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. It is named for its olive-colored carapace and is known for its synchronized mass nesting events.The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is one of the most well-known species of sea turtles, named after its olive-green shell color. It is relatively small compared to other sea turtles, with adults typically measuring between 60 to 70 centimeters in length and weighing around 45 kilograms. Olive Ridley turtles are best recognized for their synchronized mass nesting events called 'arribadas', where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay their eggs.- Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
- Average Length: 60-70 centimeters
- Average Weight: Around 45 kilograms
- Shell Color: Olive green
- Habitat: Tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans
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710votes
Lyndie Malan · CC BY-SA 3.0The flatback sea turtle is found only in the waters around Australia and is named for its flat, smooth carapace. It is the only sea turtle species that does not migrate long distances.The Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus) is a species of sea turtle found in the coastal waters of northern Australia. It is named after its flattish, low-domed carapace, which distinguishes it from other sea turtle species.- Scientific Name: Natator depressus
- Size: Adults can reach up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) in length
- Weight: They can weigh between 70 to 90 kilograms (150 to 200 pounds)
- Color: Their carapace is typically olive-gray in color
- Habitat: Coastal waters and shallow reefs of northern Australia
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84votes
Brocken Inaglory · CC BY-SA 3.0The black sea turtle is a rare and elusive species found only in the waters around Mexico and Central America. It is named for its dark coloration and is one of the smallest sea turtles.The Black Sea Turtle, also known as the Pacific Black Turtle, is a species of sea turtle found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is recognized for its black appearance and is considered one of the most popular sea turtles. The black coloration of its carapace distinguishes it from other sea turtle species.
- Scientific Name: Chelonia agassizii
- Population Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean
- Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length
- Weight: Up to 200 pounds (90 kilograms)
- Diet: Herbivorous (feeds on seagrasses and algae)
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96votes
uploaded by Johntex · Public domainThe Kemp's sea turtle is a critically endangered species found only in the waters around Mexico and Central America. It is named for Richard Kemp, who first described the species.Kemp's Sea Turtle, also known as the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle, is the smallest and most endangered species of sea turtle.
- Scientific Name: Lepidochelys kempii
- Size: Approximately 2-2.5 feet long and weighing 80-100 pounds
- Color: Olive-gray to greenish in color
- Habitat: Primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico, but also in the Atlantic and Caribbean
- Population: Estimated to be around 10,000 mature individuals
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107votesThe Lepidochelys Olivecea is the smallest of all the sea turtles, and is also known as the "Kemp's ridley sea turtle". This turtle can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, and is most commonly seen near the Gulf of Mexico. It is highly endangered, with only a few thousand individuals left in the wild.Lepidochelys Olivecea, commonly known as the Olive Ridley sea turtle, is one of the most popular species of sea turtles. It is named for its olive-green colored shell and is found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean. The Olive Ridley sea turtle is known for its synchronized nesting behavior, where thousands of females come ashore at the same time to lay their eggs. They have a distinctive heart-shaped shell and are smaller in size compared to other sea turtle species.
- Scientific Name: Lepidochelys Olivecea
- Common Name: Olive Ridley sea turtle
- Color: Olive-green shell
- Distribution: Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean
- Nesting Behavior: Synchronized nesting in large groups
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Ranking factors for popular sea turtle
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Species distribution and abundanceSome sea turtle species may be more widely distributed across the world's oceans, allowing them to be observed and interacted with by more people. Population size can also influence their popularity, as larger populations allow for greater interaction opportunities.
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Conservation statusTurtles with a higher risk of extinction may generate more attention and interest due to their endangered status and the need for conservation efforts.
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Public awareness and educationThe level of knowledge and understanding about a particular sea turtle species can influence its popularity. More well-known sea turtles may have a greater public profile, increasing their popularity.
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Aesthetic appealThe appearance of the sea turtle can play a role in their popularity. Unique or striking features, such as patterns, colors, or size, can make them more memorable and appealing to the public.
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Cultural significanceSome sea turtles may have a particular cultural or historical significance to certain regions or communities, potentially making them more well-known and popular.
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Media exposureSea turtles that appear in popular books, movies, television shows, or other forms of media can have a significant impact on their popularity.
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Ecotourism and human interactionsPlaces where tourists can reliably observe and interact with sea turtles may contribute to a particular species' popularity.
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Scientific research and interestSpecies that are well-studied or have unique biological or ecological traits can generate more interest in the scientific community, potentially contributing to their popularity.
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Notable individual turtlesSome sea turtles may become popular as individuals, perhaps due to unique rescue stories, migration patterns, or other notable events.
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Charismatic behaviorCertain sea turtle species may be more charismatic or engaging due to their behavior, which can contribute to their popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular sea turtle. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or sea turtle is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2386 views
- 214 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each sea turtle once every 24 hours. The rank of each sea turtle is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular sea turtle
Sea turtles are one of the most beloved and fascinating creatures found in the oceans. These gentle giants have captured the hearts of people all around the world with their graceful movements and ancient beauty. There are seven species of sea turtles, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats. From the iconic green turtle to the elusive leatherback, sea turtles are an important part of the marine ecosystem and a symbol of the ocean's fragile beauty. In this article, we'll explore the most popular sea turtle species and learn more about what makes each one so special.
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