Lepidochelys kempii
The Kemp's ridley sea turtle was named after Richard M. Kemp, a fisherman
and naturalist from Key West, Florida, who first submitted the species for
identification in 1880.
Size 24 to 36 inches long
Diet Crabs, fishes and an array of mollusks
Lifespan At least 30 years, and possibly 50 years or more
Range Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Atlantic Seaboard
Habitat Coastal areas, nesting on beaches
Predators Foxes, weasels, cats, dogs, raccoons, crabs and more eat eggs
and hatchlings. Sharks and other large fishes prey on juveniles and adults.
Humans threaten them with fishing activities.
Relatives There are seven species of sea turtles, including the green,
loggerhead,
Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley, hawksbill, flat back and leatherback.
Family life Female Kemp’s ridleys nest all at once in a large group called an arribada.
In 1947, about 42,000 turtles nested in an arribada in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico.
Conservation status Critically Endangered Kemp's ridleys face major threats from accidental catch in fishing gear and are currently the most endangered sea turtle in the world.
Sea turtles and climate change Rising temperatures, rising sea levels, and other trends are having an effect on the world’s sea turtles. Read more ...
Explore other profiles Check out green sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles and harbor seals.
Aquarium home movies: Kemp's ridley
Visit me at the Aquarium:
Come to the Giant Ocean Tank to visit our Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Ari.
Look for a smaller turtle with a grayish green shell and creamy green and white plastron.
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. Support suppliers who use fishing methods that are less likely to accidentally catch sea turtles.