Hawksbill Turtle (Penyu Sisik)
Eretmochelys imbricata
A smaller, reef-loving turtle with a pointed “hawk-like” beak, often weaving through coral structure. Many populations remain severely depleted; it’s strongly associated with healthy reefs and is famous for feeding heavily on sponges.
HabitatCoral reefs, rocky reefs, lagoons
DietSea sponges (plus mixed reef invertebrates)
SizeUp to ~1.0 meter
BehaviorShy; threads through reefs; often solitary
Where you might see it
On coral-rich snorkel and dive sites across the Togeans look along reef walls, bommies, and crevices where it forages.
How to spot it
Search complex reef structure for a narrow beak and patterned shell. Check coral overhangs and cracks where it picks at sponges.
Responsible Encounter Guidelines
- •Give it space hawksbills spook easily.
- •Never corner it in narrow reef passages.
- •No touching; avoid contact with reef while watching.
- •Keep fins up; don’t kick sand onto coral.
- •Skip flash; limit time with a single animal.
Gallery
Conservation Status
IUCN: Critically Endangered; threatened by illegal shell trade, bycatch, and reef loss.