Olive Ridley, Lepidochelys olivacea (Family Cheloniidae)

The Olive Ridley, Lepidochelys olivacea (Family Cheloniidae) occasionally nest on Tobago and possibly Trinidad. They are relatively small compared to other marine turtles. The species is pan-tropical but seems to avoid the Gulf of Mexico. Neonates are pelagic phase, drifting with currents that allow them to disperse far from their natal beaches, When sexual mature they migrate toward coastal zones and concentrate near nesting beaches. However, some males appear to remain in oceanic waters and mate with females while in route to their nesting beaches.