List of reptiles of the Atlantic Ocean

The reptiles that inhabit the Atlantic Ocean include six species of sea turtles. In addition, two species of crocodiles regularly venture into saltwater thanks to lingual glands that allow them to excrete salt.

Finally, some other species of crocodilians, caimans, and alligators that live in the freshwater and brackish coastal waters of the Americas and Africa can temporarily enter the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean.

Order: Testudines Family: Dermochelyidae

Genus: Dermochelys Leatherback sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea

Family: Cheloniidae

Genus: Caretta Loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta

Genus: Chelonia Green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas

Genus: Eretmochelys Hawksbill sea turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata

Genus: Lepidochelys Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempii Olive ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea

Order: Crocodilia Family: Crocodylidae

Genus: Crocodylus American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus

See also List of reptiles of the Mediterranean Sea

References