Caretta caretta
Pacific loggerheads regularly travel from their nesting beaches in Japan to
their feeding grounds in Mexico. That's over 7,500 miles!
Size Approximately 36 inches long, about 250 pounds
Diet Crabs, molluscs, shrimps, jellies and vegetation
Lifespan At least 30 years, and possibly up to 50 years or more
Range Tropical and temperate regions in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Habitat Loggerheads are found in coastal waters around the world, especially in
the U.S., Bahamas, Cuba and Mexico
Predators Herons, weasels, cats, dogs, raccoons, crabs and more eat
eggs and
hatchlings. Sharks and other large fishes prey on juveniles and adults.
Relatives There are seven species of sea turtles, including the green,
loggerhead,
Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley, hawksbill, flat back and leatherback.
Family life Loggerheads reach sexual maturity at around 35 years of age. Female loggerheads can nest up to seven times in a season, laying up to 126 eggs each time.
Conservation status Endangered Loggerheads face major threats such as accidental catch from and human intrusion on their nesting beaches.
Explore other profiles Check out green sea turtles, Kemp's ridley sea turtles and harbor seals.
Aquarium home movies: TK
Visit me at the Aquarium:
Come to the giant ocean tank to see the Aquarium's two loggerhead sea turtles! You'll recognize them by the brownish red coloring on the top of their head and shell. Carolina weighs 152 pounds and Retread weighs 196 pounds.
We are making a difference
The Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Team rescues and rehabilitates dozens of sick and injured sea turtles every year.
Blue Lifestyle tips
You can make a difference by choosing ocean-friendly seafood options that aren't caught in ways that threaten loggerhead sea turtles.