The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest species of sea turtle and one of the largest living reptiles in the world. It gets its name from its unique shell, which is made up of a layer of tough, rubbery skin instead of the hard, bony plates found in other sea turtle species.
Leatherback sea turtles can grow to an enormous size, with adults reaching an average length of 1.5-2.0 meters (5-6.5 feet) and weighing up to 900 kilograms (2000 pounds).
Leatherback sea turtles are found in the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. They are highly migratory animals and are known to undertake some of the longest migrations of any sea turtle, traveling between feeding and breeding grounds that can be thousands of kilometers apart.
They are found in a variety of marine habitats, including open ocean, coastal waters, and shallow seas.
Leatherback sea turtles are carnivorous and feed primarily on jellyfish and other soft-bodied invertebrates. They have long, pointed beaks and sharp, backward-pointing spines on their tongues, which they use to catch and eat their prey.
They are also able to tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and are able to dive to depths of over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) in search of food.
Leatherback sea turtles are generally solitary animals, although they may form large feeding aggregations in areas with abundant prey. They are strong swimmers and are able to migrate long distances between feeding and breeding grounds.
They are also known to bask in the sun on beaches and offshore rocks, which helps to regulate their body temperature.
The leatherback sea turtle belongs to the species Dermochelys coriacea and the family Dermochelyidae. Sea turtles are a type of turtle that are well-adapted to life in the ocean, with flippers instead of legs for swimming and a streamlined body shape for efficient movement through the water.
The family Dermochelyidae includes only one species, the leatherback sea turtle, which is the largest and most widespread sea turtle species in the world.
They are considered to be an endangered species. They are threatened by a variety of human activities, including over-harvesting of their eggs, hunting for their meat, and accidental capture in fishing gear.
