Star Turtle

The hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is quite a unique creature. It is the only reptile known to have biofluorescent properties, meaning it GLOWS at night, especially when hit with blue lights. Biofluorescence is found in limited numbers of animals in the world, including mantis shrimp, ray-finned fish, and certain corals. It is unknown why the hawksbill turtle is such a shining star, but the corals it prefers to munch on are thought to be the source of its star power…wait, turtles with star power? This is starting to sound like a world from Super Mario! Let’s hope this fabulous turtle sticks around for us to figure out its secrets as it is currently listed as critically endangered due to unsustainable fishing practices.

Photo taken in Mafia Island by Hans Cosmas Ngoteya

Price: 1,000, 000 TZS