Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Hawksbill sea turtle

Eretmochelys imbricata

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The hawksbill sea turtle has a narrow, pointed beak and overlapping shell scales. Sponges are a major food source on many reefs.

Eretmochelys imbricata

Thierry Caro · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Tropical and subtropical oceans, especially nearshore reefs, with beaches used for nesting.
Habitat
Coral reef, Coast, Open ocean
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Mainly sponges in many populations, alongside other reef foods.

Classification

Common name
Hawksbill sea turtle
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Eretmochelys imbricata
Taxon rank
species
Family
Cheloniidae
Genus
Eretmochelys
Source classification
Testudines

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • The narrow beak reaches into reef crevices.
  • Sponges dominate the diet in many areas.
  • Shell scales overlap like roof tiles.

Habitat and range

Tropical and subtropical oceans, especially nearshore reefs, with beaches used for nesting.

Appearance and adaptations

A tapered beak reaches into reef crevices. The shell is mottled and often has a serrated rear edge with overlapping scales.

Diet and behaviour

It searches reef cracks for food and can migrate between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. Food choices differ between populations.

Sources

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