Dermochelyidae
Quick Summary
The Dermochelyidae family includes only one species: the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). This unique turtle lacks scales and a hard shell, instead possessing a leathery skin over a bony carapace. It is the largest turtle species globally and the widest-ranging reptile. Leatherbacks inhabit temperate and tropical oceans worldwide and are skilled divers, capable of reaching depths of 1,200 meters. They have adaptations for cold water, including a large body size and a fat layer for insulation, as well as a specialized blood vessel network to retain heat. Their diet primarily consists of jellyfish.1
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