Leatherback Sea Turtles [Dermochelyidae]

Description

Dermochelyidae is a family of sea turtles that comprises a single extant species, the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). These are the largest of all living turtles and are distinguished by their lack of a bony shell. Instead, their carapace is covered by skin and oily flesh. Leatherback turtles are deep divers and are capable of descending over 1000 meters. They are highly migratory, found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They primarily feed on jellyfish.

Genera

Taxonomy