Discover the Difference Between Male and Female Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are incredible marine reptiles that have roamed Earth’s oceans for over 100 million years. With seven species found around the world, they each have their own unique characteristics. But one question often comes up—how can you tell the difference between male and female turtles?
If you’ve ever wondered how to recognize the gender of a turtle, especially when spotting them in the wild or during a snorkeling tour, here’s your guide to identifying male vs. female turtles using physical traits, behavior, and more.
Physical Traits: Male or Female Turtle?
One of the most visible ways to tell a male turtle from a female turtle is by looking at their physical features—especially after they reach adulthood.
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Tail: Male turtles have much longer tails, which hold their reproductive organs. Female turtles have shorter, stubby tails.
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Shell (Carapace): Female turtles usually have a wider, flatter shell, while the male turtle’s shell is more narrow and concave, helping them during mating.
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Plastron (underside): The plastron of a male turtle is more concave, allowing him to mount the female. In contrast, a female turtle has a flatter or slightly rounded plastron, better suited for carrying eggs.
So next time you’re wondering if a turtle is male or female, take a look at the tail and plastron!
Behavior: Male vs. Female Turtle Actions
Behavior can also help you determine turtle gender:
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Male sea turtles are often more aggressive and active, especially during mating season. They may compete for females and show dominant behaviors.
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Female turtles are generally focused on nesting and egg-laying. They come ashore to dig nests and lay their eggs—sometimes laying hundreds in a single season.
These behavioral clues are helpful when trying to figure out whether a turtle is male or female in the wild.
Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination (TSD)
One of the most fascinating facts about turtle gender is that it’s not just genetic—it’s environmental. Through a process called temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), the temperature of the sand where the eggs incubate actually determines the gender of the turtle:
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Warmer sand tends to produce female turtles.
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Cooler sand generally results in male turtles.
This makes climate change a serious concern for future turtle genders, as rising temperatures may create an imbalance in the male-to-female ratio.
Why Turtle Gender Matters
Being able to recognize male and female turtles is important for conservation. Monitoring turtle gender helps scientists track population health, mating patterns, and the impact of environmental changes. Whether you’re a marine biologist or just an ocean lover, learning how to tell the gender of a turtle deepens your understanding and appreciation of these ancient creatures.
Snorkel with Wild Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles in Waikiki🏝️
Join our Waikiki Turtle Snorkeling Tour at Oahu’s famous Turtle Canyon, where wild Hawaiian green sea turtles gather to be cleaned by reef fish in crystal-clear waters. It’s one of the best spots on the island to watch these majestic animals glide gracefully through the ocean—and you might even spot a male turtle’s long tail or a female turtle calmly swimming over the reef.
Don’t miss this chance to encounter sea turtles up close and learn even more about turtle male vs. female differences while exploring the beautiful waters off Waikiki.
This video teaches you How to Tell If a Turtle Is Male or Female
