Leatherback Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
- Group: Turtle
- Typical depth: 0–1250 m
- Max size: 2.6 m
- IUCN status: VU
The largest turtle alive, its shell a leathery ridged hide rather than hard plates, diving past a thousand metres yet usually feeding in the upper water. It crosses oceans hunting jellyfish and other soft drifters, and the species is listed as vulnerable.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Testudines › Dermochelyidae › Dermochelys
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 137209.
FAQ
- How deep does the Leatherback Turtle live?
- The Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is typically found at 0–1250 m.
- How big does the Leatherback Turtle get?
- The Leatherback Turtle grows to about 2.6 m.