The family of sea turtles, inhabitants of tropical seas, has 6 species. Conventionally, these reptiles can be divided into Pacific and Atlantic. But they differ little from each other, and the history of their life on Earth is similar.
Green sea turtle. General Description
The largest species is the green turtle (photo below). Some giant individuals have a weight of about 450 kg, but, as a rule, their body weight is about 200 kg. The length of the low, rounded oval carapace ranges from 70 to 150 cm. The carapace is covered with shields covering each other and lying side by side. Forelimbs in the form of flippers with one claw are indispensable for swimming. On a small head are large eyes. The carapace (the so-called dorsal part of the shell) can be olive green or dark brown with yellowish spots, its color is inconsistent. The ventral part of the carapace is yellowish or white.
Green sea turtle, unfortunately, is also called soup. It is for the sake of delicious meat and the famous turtle soup that these animals are destroyed. Turtle hunting continues everywhere. In places where aquaticgreen turtle, its meat is eaten and also fed to pigs. Crafts and souvenirs are made from shells. Even bone plates of not so high quality are used. Eggs are eaten fresh or added to confectionery. Therefore, even if turtle meat is not exported to the markets of large cities and other countries, many species of individuals are constantly under the threat of complete extermination.
Reproduction of sea turtles
At the age of 10, turtles reach sexual maturity. Animals travel hundreds of miles across the ocean to mate. They swim to their native places where they were born. Mating takes place in the sea, a short distance from the coast.
After mating, the female digs a hole in the sand on the shore and lays 100 to 200 eggs in it. The green sea turtle closes its masonry with sand, thereby protecting it from predators, direct sun and heat. Baby turtles will emerge from the eggs in days 40–72. An egg tooth will help them open the shell, which will fall off in the first hours or days of life.
After hatching, the turtles rush to get to the water, working with their flippers with all their might. Babies, unlike adults, are very agile. This is a decisive moment in the beginning of their life, since on this path the turtles are especially vulnerable to birds, snakes, and rodents. But in the sea they are also in danger - sharks, dolphins, predatory fish are not averse to feast on baby sea turtles.
Building a captive pool
Content is only possible inhigh quality sea water with temperatures between 22 and 26°C. Indeed, in nature, the green sea turtle lives in warm tropical seas and only comes to land to lay eggs. The size of the s altwater pool must be large, as adult reptiles are large and need a lot of space to swim. The optimal shape of the pool is round, its surface should be smooth, the silicone grout is closed.
Good filtration and, in certain circumstances, partial water changes to stabilize the pH value are a must, due to the very intensive metabolism of sea turtles. Cleaning the pool by suction of food and waste products should be done regularly. Before placing new individuals in the pool, they must be examined.
Adult reptiles are herbivorous and feed on algae and grass, while young turtles eat animals such as crabs, sponges, jellyfish, worms and snails. When choosing a diet for sea turtles, attention should be paid to the prevention of water pollution. So, it is not recommended to use too soft cod meat, fatty herring, lettuce. Shrimp, lean sea fish, seaweed or spinach are all good food for sea turtles.
