Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
Penyu Sisik, Penyu Karah in Malay

Eretmochelys imbricata

Description
The hawksbill is named for its narrow head and hawk-like beak. One of the smaller sea turtles. Jaw is not serrated. Flippers have 2 claws.

Size & Weight
Adults are 2.5 to 3 feet in shell (carapace) length (76-91 cm) and can weight between 100 to 150 pounds (40-60 kg).

Diet
poisonous sponges, anemones, squid and shrimp.

Habitat & Range
Typically found around coastal reefs, rocky areas, estuaries and lagoons. Most tropical of all sea turtles, the Hawksbill lives in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Nesting
Between 2 to 4 times per season. Lays an average 160 eggs in each nest. Eggs incubate for about 60 days.

Threats
Harvested for their prized shell, often referred to as "tortoise shell", used to make hair ornaments, jewelry, and other decorative items. There's a strict international trade ban.