The Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta), or
simply Loggerhead, is the world’s second
largest turtle, and the largest hard-shelled
turtle, being eclipsed in size only by the
Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea),
which possesses a fleshy carapace. Adults
attain an average weight of around 150kg and
an average length of about 90cm, but can
reach a size of over 450kg and two metres!
Loggerheads are distinguished by a red-brown
carapace and a pale yellow plastron. They are
equipped with a large head and powerful jaws.
Maximum longevity is estimated to be in
excess of 65 years.