Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The leatherback is the largest living sea turtle. A flexible, ridged covering replaces the hard plated shell familiar in most other turtles, and long migrations connect feeding waters with nesting beaches.

Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback sea turtle)

At a glance

Habitat
Open ocean, Coast
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Jellyfish and other gelatinous marine animals.

Classification

Common name
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Dermochelys coriacea
Taxon rank
species
Family
Dermochelyidae
Genus
Dermochelys
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its shell covering is leathery rather than hard-plated.
  • Jellyfish are a principal food.
  • Females come ashore to lay eggs.

Habitat and range

Leatherbacks range widely through tropical and temperate seas, sometimes entering cold waters to feed. Females return to tropical sandy beaches to lay eggs; most of their lives are spent offshore.

Appearance and adaptations

The dark body has a leathery surface with lengthwise ridges. Large front flippers power swimming, and the streamlined shape suits extensive travel and deep dives.

Diet and behaviour

Jellyfish and other gelatinous animals provide most food. Individuals may travel great distances between breeding and feeding areas and are usually solitary at sea. Only nesting females regularly come ashore.

Sources

Explore reptiles

Browse all reptiles