Comparison of California Sea Turtles

The Leatherback's huge size, smooth leathery skin, and shell with 7 prominent lengthwise dorsal ridges, or keels, and no visible scutes, differentiate it from any other sea turtle.

This is probably the most commonly-seen sea turtle in California waters.

These pictures show an Atlantic Hawksbill, but there is no difference in appearance for our purposes.

The largest sea turtle with a hard shell.

The smallest sea turtle.

© Matthew Godfrey

Long raptor-like snout

Head is very broad.
The shell is high in front.

Two pairs of pre-frontals

Four costal shields on each side.
The first shield does not touch the nuchal.

Four costal shields on each side

5 or more costal shields on each side.
The first shield touches the nuchal.

5 - 9 costal shields on each side.
The first shield touches the nuchal.

Adult shell is plain greenish, olive, or brown.

Marbled radiating pattern on the shell.
The edge of the shell is serrated and the shields overlap like shingles.

The posterior rim of the shell is serrated.

Shell is olive to gray in color, and smooth on adults.

Younger turtles have a mottled or radiating pattern on the shell, somewhat similar to the Hawksbill.