Turtle identification sheet.

Simple questions to assist in identification of turtles in the Gulf of Mexico.

#1. Is the turtle very dark in color with 7 longitudinal ridges along the shell?

• If YES it is a Leatherback turtle. See picture below.
• If NO go to question #2.

#2. Does the turtle have a single ridge or keel along the center of the shell, do the scutes have deep growth rings giving them a sculpted appearance and is the head and neck grey with dark spots and blotches?

• If YES it is a Diamondback terrapin. (see picture below)
• If NO go to question #3.

#3. Does the turtle have 4 or 5 costal scutes? (see picture below)

• If 4 scutes go to question #4.
• If 5 scutes go to question #5.

#4. Does the turtle have a curved beak, overlapping scutes on the shell, and two claws on fore flippers?

• If YES it is a Hawksbill turtle. (see picture below)
• 
• If NO it is a Green turtle. (see picture below)

#5. Does the turtle have 5 costal scutes, two claws on the fore flippers, and a large head?

• If YES it is a Loggerhead turtle. (see picture below)
  

  

• If NO it is a Kemp’s Ridley turtle. (see picture below)

Photo credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration