species spotlight on Dermochelys coriacea

A.K.A.  The Leatherback Turtle

DESCRIPTION:  The most distinctive feature of the leatherback turtle is it's "fake shell" which is made up of cartilage covered by thick leather skin.  This "fake shell" is much lighter and more buoyant than a "real shell".  There are seven raised ridges on the carapace and five on the plastron.   The head is large with powerful jaws.  There are long spines in the turtle's mouth to help it swallow food.  All of it's limbs are flippers.

HABITAT:  These turtles are found in all the oceans throughout the world except polar regions.

LIFESTYLE:  Solitary.  Lives in the ocean.

SIZE:  These are the largest turtles in the world.   Their shells grow to seven feet in length.  They can weigh up to 1,600 pounds.

FOOD:  Jellyfish, mollusks, crustaceans.

HUNTING TECHNIQUES:  Dermochelys coriacea is a slow swimmer and, therefore, feeds on slow moving creatures that are found near the surface of the water.

DEFENSES AND PREDATORS:  The adults have few predators, but may use their large powerful flippers to lash out against enemies.  The turtles' eggs are eaten by humans and hatchlings are easy prey to birds and crabs.

BREEDING:  Breeding occurs at inconsistent time periods in tropical oceans.  The females may lay up to nine clutches of 50-170 eggs a year.   The eggs are buried in moist sand on tropical beaches.  The eggs will hatch after 60-68 days of incubation.

IN CAPTIVITY:  The leatherback turtle does not adapt to captivity.   They do not learn to avoid aquarium walls.

SPECIAL CONCERNS:  These turtles are endangered.  Their eggs are taken and eaten by humans.  Many deaths are caused by fishing nets, boating injuries, and mistaking plastic bags for food.