Swim with green sea turtles,  snorkel adventures off Oahu beach Hawaii 

Wild Side Biologists Find Sea Turtle Cleaning Station!

Watch the MPG film: " Cleaning Station " loaded with turtles

Because turtles must keep their shells free of algae that would slow them down, cleaning stations are often the focal point of each turtle community. After discovering a reef that provides adequate food and shelter, one of the first things that turtles hope to do is set up a cleaning station. This usually involves finding a conspicuous coral head like that of the branching pocillopora species.

Living amongst the antler- like branches are damselfishes, angelfishs, and other algae eaters. Taking turns, often sharing, and at times crowding about, the turtles present themselves to the fish for a picking-over. As they hover patiently over corals or sit on the bottom, the hungry fishes, eagerly perform the task. Turtle shells are sensitive and they can feel the slightest touch.

We found a large rock that turtles of the area approach and hover over, an indication that cleaning is about to take place. Smart swimmers wait patiently to watch this ancient ritual. Turtles will come and go calmly if undisturbed. Swimmers should not do anything (splash, make noise, dive after) to change a turtle's behavior. Turtles allow the experience to continue only if they do not feel threatened. Come and check it out!

Carefully gliding up to the cleaning station, the turtles delight swimmers with their graceful movements. In an amazing adaptation to conserve energy when inactive, turtles slow their heart rates and reduce the blood flow to their muscle tissues. Gathering minute amounts of oxygen though highly vascularized nasal passages, turtles can extend their bottom time by resting in this non-pulsed mode. Eventually they must surface for air, as an oxygen debt is built up in their tissues. Because elongated stays underwater has a chilling effect on their bodies, they will float on the surface and bask in the sun after an extended dive. If undisturbed, turtles may remain motionless for over an hour.

Green Sea Turtles: STEPHANIE A PINTZ

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