MARINE REPTILES Marine turtles have modified appendages for swimming. The front flippers are paddle-shaped. Sea Turtle Swimming They remove salt from their body with glands near the eye and “tears” are used to moisturize their eggs. The upper shell (carapace) is flattened to reduce drag; spongy bones and fat deposits also increase buoyancy.

The carapace is rigid and fused to the backbone. Marine turtles lack the hinge that allows other turtles to retract their appendages into the shell. The migration of sea turtles occurs every 1-4 years with the female laying hundreds of eggs in a hole dug in the sand. After a 2 month incubation, hatchlings head for the glow of the rising sun to locate the ocean. Hatching at the wrong time of day, confusing lighting, and predators take a heavy toll.

1989 Federal law requires shrimp boats to have turtle extruding devises (TED) to prevent entanglement and suffocation. The largest turtle breeding grounds are in the Ascension Island (Atlantic Ocean).

All Sea Snakes produces 10-15 mg of venom - 1 All Sea Snakes produces 10-15 mg of venom - 1.5 mg is a fatal dose for humans. Fortunately, they are not very aggressive and are only found in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean. They breathe through a single lung that runs nearly the entire length of the body and aids in buoyancy. Depending on how active they are, most species can remain underwater up to 2 hours. The nostrils can be closed with valve-like flaps to prevent water from entering the lung. Snakes get freshwater from the tissues of their prey and dispose of excess salt with sublingual glands. Sea Snake Swimming

Their paddle-shaped tail allows for quick movement as they feed on fish, eels, crabs, squids, and fish eggs. They can become the prey of sea eagles, sharks, moray eels, saltwater crocodiles, crabs, and humans. However, they can bite the stomach of whatever swallows it and escapes out of the predators mouth as the poison takes affect. NOAA True sea snakes are viviparous (live bearing), mating and bearing their young at sea. Small litters, numbering from 2 to 20, of young are born close to shore. As they grow, they molt about every 2-6 weeks helping to rid them of parasites. Most sea snakes reach adulthood in 1 year and live 3-4 years.

Crocodiles have pointed noses and neither the upper or lower teeth fit inside the mouth. They are found in South America and Africa and are not indigenous to the U.S. Alligators have rounded noses and lower teeth fit inside the mouth; found in warm, fresh water swamps in U.S.

Crocodiles build their nest underground and alligators build theirs above ground and both layer the eggs between leaves. As leaves decompose, the heat incubates the eggs. The temperature determines the sex of offspring. Mother guards the nest until hatching. Young have a temporary “egg tooth” for escaping the leathery egg or are helped by mom. Young are swimming and hunting within a few hours but remain with adults for protection. Mother transports them in her mouth. Life span may be 50 - 100 years if they can escape man.

Galapagos iguana is the only specie of marine lizard. They feed on seaweed and are graceful swimmers.