**The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest of the seven existing species of sea turtles. It is also the most widely distributed and can be found in all temperate and tropical waters around the world. The leatherback turtle has a teardrop-shaped body and powerful paddle-shaped front limbs that allow it to swim at speeds of up to 35 km/h. It can grow up to 2 meters long and weigh up to 900 kg, although the average size is usually around 1.5 meters and the weight around 500 kg. The shell of the leatherback turtle is unique among sea turtles because it is not made up of rigid bony plates like other species, but rather of a set of seven bony ridges covered by a thick, rubbery layer of skin. This particular structure gives it great flexibility and resistance to water, making it a very efficient swimmer. The leatherback turtle is also known for its unusual diet, which consists mainly of jellyfish. Its jaws are equipped with sharp teeth that allow it to of its prey and let water filter through. Leatherback turtles can dive to depths of up to 1,000 meters to find their food. The reproduction of the leatherback turtle is also unique. Unlike other sea turtle species that lay their eggs on beaches, female leatherback turtles dig holes in the sand to lay their eggs. The eggs are larger than those of other sea turtle species, with a diameter of about 6 cm. After hatching, young leatherback turtles head directly to the sea and only return to land years later, when they reach adulthood. Unfortunately, the leatherback turtle is a critically endangered species, mainly due to illegal fishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this iconic species and ensure its long-term survival. --q 2 --s 750 --v 5** - Image #3 <@862788771493052458>
The leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea is the largest of the seven existing species of sea turtles. It is also the most widely distributed and can be found in all temperate and tropical waters around the world. The leatherback turtle has a teardropshaped body and powerful paddleshaped front limbs that allow it to swim at speeds of up to 35 kmh. It can grow up to 2 meters long and weigh up to 900 kg, although the average size is usually around 1.5 meters and the weight around 500 kg. The shell of the leatherback turtle is unique among sea turtles because it is not made up of rigid bony plates like other species, but rather of a set of seven bony ridges covered by a thick, rubbery layer of skin. This particular structure gives it great flexibility and resistance to water, making it a very efficient swimmer. The leatherback turtle is also known for its unusual diet, which consists mainly of jellyfish. Its jaws are equipped with sharp teeth that allow it to of its prey and let water filter through. Leatherback turtles can dive to depths of up to 1,000 meters to find their food. The reproduction of the leatherback turtle is also unique. Unlike other sea turtle species that lay their eggs on beaches, female leatherback turtles dig holes in the sand to lay their eggs. The eggs are larger than those of other sea turtle species, with a diameter of about 6 cm. After hatching, young leatherback turtles head directly to the sea and only return to land years later, when they reach adulthood. Unfortunately, the leatherback turtle is a critically endangered species, mainly due to illegal fishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this iconic species and ensure its longterm survival.