Each center is elevated and forms a sharp keel or spine characteristic of this age class. Photograph is of a ten month-old individual raised in captivity. Variation in intensity of pigmentation between siblings is evident. Species characteristics regarding scute and scale number and arrangement are similar to adults. Posterior pair of scutes are asymmetrical.
Umbilical scar is present.
Juvenile Kemp's ridley and juvenile green. The uniform black carpace is typical for Kemp's ridley up to about 28 cm. The green exhibits a pattern of broadly radiating streaks on each dorsal scute which is typical of immature individuals. The head of the green is proportionately smaller than heads of other species. The central keel of the carapace of immature Kemp's ridley is more pronounced than in adults.