"Big T, Little Sea"
Arcehlon was the largest turtle in the shallow sea, and this specimen is the largest sea turtle ever found. at 15 feet long, it's 30% larger than most other specimens of its species.
Archelon ischyros
(ARK eh lon)
Description: Giant Sea Turtle
Specimen Location: Pierre Shale of South Dakota
Name Means: "large turtle"
Scientists believe that the Archelon used its massive front flippers to glide through the water in a way similar to a bird flying. Like modern green sea turtles, Archelon had a hard shell that covered a bony framework. Based on what is known about sea turtles today, scientists expect that these huge creatures ate plants, fish or sea jellies.
National Museum of Austria
Discoverer: Frank Watson
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