Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Sealife by CollectA)

Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is the second largest living turtle after the leatherback, averaging around 135 kg (298 lbs) in mass, but capable of achieving up to 545 kg (1200 lbs). Its name derives from its large head and powerful jaws, which it uses to crush hard-shelled prey.

This loggerhead sea turtle from CollectA was released back in 2007. It is a fairly small figure that measures about 7 cm long and 6 cm wide at the long front flippers, which are swept back in a swimming motion. By contrast, the hind flippers are much smaller and more square-shaped, which is anatomically correct. As well, the head is reasonably large and blocky. Loggerheads have the widest diet of any sea turtle; they feed on shellfish, sponges, coral, urchins, jellyfish, starfish, cephalopods, and plants. They will even devour hatchling turtles given the opportunity.

Unlike the sea turtle figures from Safari Ltd. that I reviewed previously, this one sinks like a stone when placed in water. Its head and limbs are very pale green with gold scales and black eyes and nostrils. The shell, which has a pitted texture, is a very dark brown with lighter brown delineating the scutes. Unfortunately, the dark brown has been sloppily applied on the plastron. But that’s not the worst of it.

No, what really drags this toy down is that both sides of the shell have been sculpted wrong. The carapace has four central scutes flanked on either side by four lateral scutes, when there ought to be five flanked by five. And the scutes on the plastron are delineated by lines so straight, they could be part of a grid. We’re talking 90 degree angles here. Fortunately, you can’t see them so long as the toy is resting on its belly, which is probably how you’d display it in your collection anyway. Another error is that the nostrils should be placed higher up on the bill, and closer together.

Overall, the CollectA loggerhead sea turtle is a disappointing toy, at least to this discerning adult. Children are more likely to enjoy it, however. If you’re looking for a better quality representation of this species, my advice is to go with either the version from Papo or from Safari Ltd.