Loggerheads are the most abundant species in U.S. coastal waters, and are often captured incidental to shrimp trawling. Shrimping is thought to have played a significant role in the population declines observed for the loggerhead. Scales on the top and sides of the head and top of the flippers are also reddish-brown, but have yellow borders. The neck, shoulders and limb bases are dull brown on top and medium yellow on the sides and bottom. The plastron is also medium yellow.
Hatchlings are dull brown in color.
20 g. Maturity is reached at between 16-40 years. Mating takes place in late March- early June, and eggs are laid throughout the summer. Identifying Characteristics Loggerheads have five or more pairs of coastal scutes, whereas all other sea turtles except olive ridleys have four pairs. The loggerheads lack pores on the plastron. Each of their flippers has two claws and the loggerheads have two pairs of prefrontal scale.