Leatherback
turtles are the largest of the sea turtle species, measuring up
to 2.8m in carapace length and weighing over 900kgs.
Leatherback
turtles occur throughout the world with nesting on open beaches
with close deep water. Leatherbacks are the most widely distributed
turtle in the world, tolerating cold water temperatures through
the use of thermoregulatory devices.
Leatherbacks
are primarily pelagic, living in the open oceans and feeding on
sea jellies and salps. They are deep-sea divers and can dive up
to 1200m deep!
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Leatherback
turtles have an elongated carapace with seven narrow ridges running
along the length. Their carapace is black to dark brown-grey with
white or pink splotches.
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