A leatherback sea turtle resting on a sandy nesting beach — Photo: Julien Renoult · CC BY 4.0

Reptile

Leatherback Sea Turtle Facts Dermochelys coriacea

ReptileAtlantic, Pacific, and Indian OceansCarnivore

Leatherbacks are the world's largest turtles and the only sea turtles without a hard, scaly shell. Their flexible ridged carapace and long flippers support migrations across entire ocean basins.

Habitat: Marine
Diet: Jellyfish, salps, and other soft-bodied ocean animals
Lifespan: Estimated 45–50 years or more

Classification

Family: Dermochelyidae. Order: Testudines.

Leatherback Sea Turtle Habitat

Leatherback Sea Turtles live in Marine and Coastal habitats. Their recorded range includes Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.

What Do Leatherback Sea Turtles Eat?

Diet classification: Carnivore. Recorded foods: Jellyfish, salps, and other soft-bodied ocean animals.

Leatherback Sea Turtle Lifespan, Size, and Weight

Recorded lifespan: Estimated 45–50 years or more. Recorded size: 152–183 cm. Recorded weight: 340–454 kg.

Leatherback Sea Turtle Conservation Status

Leatherback Sea Turtle is listed here as Vulnerable. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.