What’s on this turtle’s head? (Hawaiian green sea turtle; photos belong to me)
Posted by anon-honeybee@reddit | marinebiology | View on Reddit | 6 comments
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
marinebiology-ModTeam@reddit
Your post was removed as it violated rule #8: Responses to identification requests or questions must be an honest attempt at answering. This includes blatant misidentifications and overly-general/unhelpful identifications or answers.
NonSekTur@reddit
Possibly Fibropapillomatosis
KonungariketSuomi@reddit
NAMB, but I did take a week course on this in Mexico with hands-on experience at Akumal.
Yes, it is linked to a stress response, not just from pollution but also from direct stressors like handling and photography.
Ironically OP, the best thing you can probably do for this turt is to leave them alone.
anon-honeybee@reddit (OP)
I appreciate your feedback. I am aware of how important it is to maintain distance from turtles and never touch them; during this snorkeling session, they frequently openly approached us, which is how I got such clear photos. When they do this, I often remain still and let them pass, as trying to swim away too quickly risks kicking/flailing into them. I maintain a safe and respectful distance otherwise, as everyone should do while observing wildlife.
ZakA77ack@reddit
^this