Ridley sea turtle

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Ridley Sea Turtles
Researchers collect Kemp's Ridley eggs.
Researchers collect
Kemp's Ridley eggs.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Cheloniidae
Genus: Lepidochelys
Fitzinger, 1843
Species

Lepidochelys kempii
Lepidochelys olivacea

Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys) are a genus of sea turtles with two species; the Kemp's Ridley and the Olive Ridley.

Atlantic ridley sea turtles are currently on the New York and federal endangered species lists.

[edit] Appearance

Adult Ridley Sea Turtles grow to a length of 20-28 inches (51-71 cm). They have a weight of 80-110 pounds (36-50 kg). They feed on crabs, fish, cephalopods, clams, and some marine vegetation.


The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is endangered throughout its range. Two major feeding grounds for the Kemp Ridley are both near major areas of oil exploration and protection.

[edit] References

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