Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
August 10, 2025
The scientific name for what we know as a Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is actually "Lepidochelys kempii." They are apart of the Cheloniidae. L. kempii family of turtles which is the rarest species of sea turtles, the world's most endangered species of sea turtles, and the smallest species. The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle can live for 30-50 years, they reach sexual maturity around 10-16 years of age. They typically grow to 24-27.5 inches long and weigh anywhere from 70-100 pounds. They are the only sea turtle species that primarily nests during the day and the temperature of a Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles nest determines the gender of the hatchlings, when the nest is warm the hatchlings are more likely to be predominantly female and if the nest is cold then the hatchlings are more likely to be predominantly male. The most common nesting spot of Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles are near the Gulf Of Mexico they can also be seen nesting along the Atlantic Coast like North Carolina! They are known to nest on beaches like at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina.
Banggai Cardinalfish
August 11, 2025
The scientific name for what we know as a Banggai Cardinalfish is actually "Pterapogon kauderni." They are a part of the Apogonidae family, they are diurnal (active during the day) and they live and feed on the bottom of the sea, often seen in groups of about nine. They feed on small fish and crustaceans and live to about 2.5–3 years in the wild and up to 5–6 years in captivity if they are given great care. The Banggai Cardinalfish grows around 3 inches long. They can only be found in a limited geographic range in Indonesia, but they can be found in captivity in some aquariums in North Carolina like the "North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher."
Red Drum
August 12, 2025
The Red Drum or Sciaenops ocellatus is a fish found along the U.S. Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico and North Carolina! They’re part of the Drum family and can actually be heard making a drumming noise. They grow to about 40 inches and live over 40 years, Some hav ebeen recorded living to around 50 and 60 years of age. Red Drum fish have a black spot near their tail that tricks predators into going towards the wrong end. The Red Drum primarily eats things like crustacean (shrimp and crabs), as well as small fish like Gulf Menhaden. Red Drum fish are commonly found in North Carolina's coastal and estuarine waters and are actually North Carolinas state offical saltwater fish!
Carolina Pygmy Sunfish
August 16, 2025
The Carolina Pygmy Sunfish, or Elassoma boehlkei, is a tiny freshwater fish native to the Carolinas, including parts of North Carolina. Growing to just over an inch long, these fish are known for their shimmering blue and green colors, especially in males. They live in slow-moving, plant-filled waters like swamps and ditches, feeding on small insects and microcrustaceans. Though not endangered, they are considered a species of concern due to habitat loss and pollution. This secretive, beautiful fish is rarely seen but plays a unique role in North Carolina's freshwater biodiversity.
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