Size:  Between 23 and 27.5 inches (58-70 cm), weighing between 80 and 100 lbs (36-45 kg).
Description:  The smallest turtle in the Atlantic Ocean.  They are unique in their almost circular shell.  The carpace is colored olive-green, while the plastron is yellow.  Externally male and female turtles are virtually identical, but males have longer tails and more concave plastrons.
Habitat:  Salt water.  Most Atlantic Ridleys found in North Carolina are in shallow water and high saline sounds.
Range:  While Atlantic Ridleys are most common in the Gulf of Mexico, they can be found along the east coast as far north as New Foundland.
Status:  Currently protected under U.S. law as an endangered species.  Considered by many experts to be the most endangered species of sea turtle in the world.

Range of the Atlantic Ridley in the Carolinas and Virginia