About leatherback turtles* The leatherback is the largest sea turtle, reaching up to nearly two meters (6.5 feet) in length and 540 kg (1190 pounds) in weight.* Unlike other sea turtles, the leatherback does not have a hard shell. Its shell is made-up of a mosaic of small bones covered by firm, rubbery skin with seven longitudinal ridges.* Leatherbacks are the most widely spread marine turtles, and are found in the Pacific,
Indian and Atlantic oceans, particularly in tropical regions but also in cooler higher latitude regions around Canada and the
UK.* Leatherbacks are the deepest diving of all sea turtles. The deepest recorded dive is 1.2 km (3/4 mile), similar to that of sperm
whales.* As with other reptiles, the sex of leatherback turtles is determined by the temperature of eggs during incubation. With leatherbacks, temperatures above 29 degrees centigrade (84 degrees Fahrenheit) will result in female hatchlings.* Leatherbacks are strong swimmers and tagged individuals have been known to cross ocean basins and are known to
travel many thousands of kilometers in search of their jellyfish prey.---Image 1: Noelle is a female leatherback turtle. Credit: Dr. Matthew Witt, University of ExeterImage 2: Darwinia is a male leatherback turtle. Credit: Dr. Matthew Witt, University of Exeter
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