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Specific Name: Dermochelys coreacea

Specie description

The main feature of this specie is the adsence of corneal plaques to protect the body. On the other hand, it has a triangular and elongated shell consisting of soft fabric, with 7 longitudinal crests, in a dark colour with white and pink spots.

Size: Up to 2 m in length and 900 kg weight.

Lifespan: Up to about 70-80 years.

Sexual maturity: Generally between 6 and 7 years.

Nutrition: Preferably feeds on gelatinous invertebrates such as jellyfish and salpas, but can also feed on small crustaceans, fish, cephalopods and sea urchins.

Breeding: They place on average 80 eggs per nest, that are incubated for about 60 days. Nest at interval of 2-3 years, nesting 4 to 7 times per season.

Occurrence: Migratory specie, found in tropical, subtropical and subpolar seas.

Conservation Status (Angola): Critically Endangered (CR).

Conservation Status (IUCN): Vulnerable (VU).