Cheloniidae

turtle family

Also known as: cheloniid

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Cheloniidae is a family of large marine turtles that includes species such as the green turtle, hawksbill, and loggerhead. These turtles are highly aquatic, with most coming ashore only to lay eggs. They are characterized by streamlined shells and flippers adapted for swimming.12

Cheloniids are distinct from leatherback sea turtles (family Dermochelyidae), which have a leathery shell rather than a bony carapace and plastron. Adult sea turtles are typically found in tropical and subtropical seas, though juveniles may inhabit more temperate waters.2

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sea turtle
Cheloniidae (green turtles, flatback sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, hawksbills, and ridleys). Both families are highly aquatic, and most species only appear on coastal beaches for egg laying; however, the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) occasionally basks in terrestrial environments. Adult sea turtles are mainly denizens…
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Cheloniidae (green turtles, flatback sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, hawksbills, and ridleys). Both families are highly aquatic, and most species only appear on coastal beaches for egg laying; however, the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) occasionally basks in terrestrial environments. Adult sea turtles are mainly denizens…
Read More