Spread across the globe and living in both salt and fresh water, the numerous types of turtles range from huge to small. Using Europe as a starting point, no less than six separate species of turtles have been identified in its coastal surroundings. Some of these admittedly can be encountered also in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. One example of a turtle that frequents the depths of the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Indian and the Mediterranean is the loggerhead sea turtle. Loggerheads live out their lives at sea, eating invertebrates that dwell near the ocean floor. Only when they breed, do they return to land in order to nest. Through various hazards associated with the fishing industry threatening them and their environment, they are now classed as endangered.
For pure economy of movement through the water, the Green Turtle could hardly be built more efficiently. Its short neck and paddle-like arms meet a carapace that shares the form of a teardrop. They are fairly large, boasting a typical length of 1.5 metres (5 ft) and hitting the scale at between 240 and 420 lb (110 and 190 kilograms). Sometimes more impressive dimensions would be reached. One green turtle was found weighing 870 lb (or 395kg). This type of turtle has been extensively hunted for the pot and also to utilize its skin. There are now laws in place to prevent their extinction. Their staple food is aquatic flora.
One of the most imposing of turtles is the leatherback. It is officially recognized as the most gigantic turtle species and takes fourth place in the size stakes among all living reptiles. Three crocodile species take the top slots. They normally range between 3.3 ft and 5.74 ft (1 and 1.75m) of shell length, hitting the scale somewhere in the region of 550 to 1,500 lb (250 to 700kg). The most impressive leatherback ever found and documented came to 2,020 lb (916kg). Its full body length measured up to 9.8 ft (around 3m). The shell length was 7.2 ft (2.2m). Another distinction of the leatherback turtle is its surprising speed. Written up in the Guinness Book of Records at a speed of 21.92 miles per hour (35.28 km per hour), they are acknowledged as the speediest reptiles. Leatherback turtles frequent depths of 4,200 ft (1,280m). They feel most at home when out at sea. Their meals comprise of jellyfish.
The isolated southern continent of Australia also sees a variety of turtle species visiting her waters. Among them, you will encounter the Pacific Ridley Turtle, a scourge of crabs and shellfish, the huge Leathery Turtle, which eats jellyfish, the Australian Flatback Turtle and finally the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, a connoisseur of coral and sponge.
A well-known freshwater variety of turtle is the Caspian, which resides along the eastern sides of the Mediterranean. For outlandish looks, investigate the snakehead turtle. As the name suggests, its neck is long enough for it to be mistaken for a snake hiding within a turtle shell. Native to the Australian swampland, it has an unusual defence mechanism. When threatened, it emits a particularly unpleasant stench through its glands.
A vast variety of turtles, some large, some tiny can be found in the watery realms that make up most of the earth. Pets, however, are usually the smaller, more manageable types of turtles.