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Dermochelys coriacea
The giant of the sea turtle family has a ridged, leathery back instead of a hard plated shell.
Meet this turtle
Leatherbacks swim across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. They eat soft-bodied animals such as jellyfish and salps. Their jaws and backward-pointing throat spines help retain slippery prey. They can dive much deeper than other sea turtles, and females return to land to nest.
Conservation in context
NOAA lists leatherbacks as endangered under U.S. law and identifies Pacific populations as especially at risk.
Global assessments and national legal listings answer different questions. For a dated global comparison, see the seven-species guide. Categories can change as assessments are updated.
Think like a scientist
What could happen when a floating plastic bag resembles a leatherback’s food?
Keep exploring
Check the source
NOAA Fisheries: Leatherback turtle. Source checked . This is an editorial source check, not independent scientific certification.