Honu (green sea turtle)

Green Sea Turtle

When born, green sea turtles are only 5 cm (2 in) long. But they grow up to 1.5 meters (5 ft) in length and can weigh over 300 kg (700 lbs), making them the largest of the hardshell sea turtles. Reaching speeds of up to 56 km/h (35 mph), their streamlined shell and paddle-like flippers aid in their ability to swim quickly and with grace. Green turtles only venture onto land to lay their eggs. Females lay eggs every 2-4 years once they are sexually mature. Green sea turtles make their home in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, they feed on crabs, jellyfish, and other creatures as juveniles. As adults they become herbivores, primarily eating sea grasses and algae.