We have previously read about the leatherback sea turtle. Today, let’s turn our attention to another member of the turtle family – the hawksbill sea turtle.

The hawksbill sea turtle is also known as the glowing hawksbill sea turtle. Why? Because it can glow red and green!

Why does this turtle glow?

• The turtle’s ability to glow comes from biofluorescence.
• Biofluorescence means it absorbs blue light and re-emit (throws back) it as a different colour, usually red, orange or green.
• The hawksbill sea turtle is the first-ever reptile that scientists have discovered to have biofluorescence. Some other creatures like coral and fishes have the ability too.

What do we know about this very unique turtle?

• Adult hawksbill sea turtles typically grow to 3 feet in length, weighing around 80 kg on average.
• It lives in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian ocean.
• It has a sharp curving beak which makes it stand out from other sea turtles.

However, this turtle is very rare and is considered critically endangered. In fact, even its biofluorescence ability was discovered only in 2015.

Scientists want to study it further but its rarity is making that difficult.

You can see a GIF of the turtle below

Glowing #hawksbill sea turtle is first #biofluorescent reptile ever recorded @ICAPO_VOLUNTEER http://t.co/QO8GetwD5E pic.twitter.com/oqhCWariwd

— The Ocean Foundation (@oceanfdn) September 29, 2015

Are you interested in the latest news updates? Or are you curious enough? Do you enjoy reading non-fictional information and trivia? At Curious Times we are committed to providing the best experience and news to children. Our educational website for news and information is age-appropriate. And also a lot of fun!

We publish the Curious Times Weekly newspaper every week and The Curious Magazine every month. Besides, we are delighted to publish your creative expressions. Do send creative art, photographs, write up and more to us in My Expressions.

Finally, you can also reach out to us on WhatsApp, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook.

  0  (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)

To post your comment Login/Signup