Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Hawksbill Sea Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is considered an critically endangered species throughout its worldwide range. Several countries, such as China and Japan, have valued hunting hawksbill turtles for their flesh, which is considered good eating. Hawksbill turtle shells are the primary source of tortoise shell material, used for decorative purposes.

Distribution: The species has a worldwide distribution, with Atlantic and Pacific subspecies. Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata is the Atlantic subspecies, while Eretmochelys imbricata bissa is found in the Indo-Pacific region. The Atlantic Hawksbill is an occasional visitor to the Texas coast.
Description: The turtle's shell, or carapace, has an amber background patterned with an irregular combination of light and dark streaks, with predominantly black and mottled brown colors radiating to the sides. The Hawksbill is easily distinguished from other sea turtles by its sharp, curving beak with prominent tomium, and the saw-like appearance of its shell margins.
Size: Adult hawksbill turtles have been known to grow up to about 3 feet in length, and weigh about 170 lbs on average.
Diet: The principal food of hawkbill turtles are sponges. Hawksbills also feed on algae, jellyfish and sea anemones.
Habitat: Hawksbill turtles live in clear offshore waters of mainland and island shelves. They are more common where coral reef formations are present. Hawksbill turtles nest on sandy beaches, often in the proximity of coral reefs.