Green sea turtles are the only turtles that are truly herbivores as full-grown adults. When they are young, hatchlings are omnivorous, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and jellyfish in the open sea. They gradually shift to their adult herbivore diet when they are about 3 years old, which consists mainly of primarily of algae, seagrasses, and seaweed. The sea turtles do not have teeth- instead they have a finely serrated and sawlike beak that allows them to scrape algae off rocks and tear grasses and seaweeds. Bcause the algae and seagrass is not very filling, they must consume large amounts of it daily.
Their herbivorous diet is important for the health of ecosystems- for example, the health of coral reefs are dependent on a green sea turtle's feeding. Coral reefs can suffocate and die out if there is too much algae presence, as it grows more quickly. The sea turtles maintain the health and prevent algae overgrowth.
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Green turtles graze on seagrasses and algae, which maintains the seagrass beds and makes them more productive (much like mowing the lawn to keep it healthy). Seagrass consumed by green turtles is quickly digested and becomes available as recycled nutrients to the many species of plants and animals that live in the sea grass ecosystem. Seagrass beds also function as nurseries for several species of invertebrates and fish, many of which are of considerable value to commercial fisheries and therefore important to human food security.
The greens are also known to travel impressive distances to find food. LIke other sea turtles, they can migrate far from their hatching location.
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http://www.seeturtles.org/sea-turtle-diet/
http://www.seaturtle-world.com/green-sea-turtle-infographic/
Adult Green Sea Turtle Diet
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HERBIVORE
Sea grass
Seaweed
Algae
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DIET
