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Sea Turtle Identification Guide

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Meet the Seven Types of Sea Turtles
photo of a sea turtle over a coral reef

Sea turtles can be seen on coral reefs (and in the open ocean) around the world.

© istockphoto.com

Catching a glimpse of a turtle during a dive is thrilling. These graceful yet powerful animals not only cause wonderment when spotted during a dive, but also play an important role in the ecology of the oceans and of the coastal zone. They have been traveling the oceans for millions of years. Despite this, the continued existence of sea turtles is under threat, mainly due to human influences.

How many of the seven species of marine turtle have you seen while diving? Click through this guide to learn more about what makes these animals so special, how to properly identify turtle species while diving, and why they are considered endangered species.

More aquatic life:
• Seahorse and Pipefish
• "Dangerous" Fish and Sealife
• Caribbean Reef Fish Identification Guide

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