Eretmochelys imbricata

Maximum Size:
3 ft (0.9 m), 180 lbs (80 kg)

Longevity:
More than 20 years.

Typical depth:
0–65 ft (0–20 m)

Behavior:

Hawksbills are omnivorous, feeding on sponges, seagrass, tunicates, urchins and even squid and shrimp. They feed during the day or resting with their bodies wedged into reef cracks and crevices. They are typically found over coral reef habitat. Some hawksbills do not migrate, while others migrate over thousands of miles/kilometers. Hawksbills occur worldwide and are considered critically endangered throughout their range.

Predators:
Adults are consumed by large sharks, such as tiger sharks and orcas (killer whales).

Did you know?

Hawksbills have a distinctive carapace (shell) with aa pattern of thick overlapping scutes (plates). The rear margin of the carapace is serrated, similar to the edge of a saw. These features are the easiest ways to differentiate this species from other similar species.