Hawksbill sea turtle

The hawksbill sea turtle or hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is an endangered species of turtle. It is mostly seen in shallow lagoons and coral reefs where its food is. It is smaller than the Australian flatback turtle: it is usually a little more than two feet long. 

It usually weighs about 150 pounds. It has the most pointed beak among sea turtles, which is how it gets its name. The hawksbill gets food from inside coral reefs, eating sponges, shrimp, squid, and other invertebrates. The hawksbill pointy beak helps the turtle get food out of the tiny cracks and holes in which it searches. Though they are sometimes seen in American waters, hawksbill turtles almost always nest in the warmer climates that run along the equator. Because people use the shell to make jewelry and other things, the hawksbill turtle is endangered. 

 Description 
Adults are typically 1 meter (3 ft) long, weighing up to 80 kg (180 lb) on average. Larger ones can weigh up to 127 kg (280 lb). This species was originally named Testudo imbricata in 1766. It was moved to the genus Eretmochelys in 1843.

There are two known subspecies within the species Eretmochelys imbricata: Eretmochelys imbrica imbrica and Eretmochelys imbrica brissa.

 Diet 
Hawksbill sea turtle is a ornivorous species that feeds mainly on sea sponges. They can also feed on small octopuses, sea snails and algae.

 References 

category:Turtles
Category:Marine reptiles
Category:Critically endangered species
Category:National symbols of Antigua and Barbuda