Species Detail
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Turtles & Tortoises

Leatherback Sea Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea schlegelii

Habitat

Pacific pelagic zone.

Range

Pacific Ocean.

Adult Size

Up to 83 in (Up to 210 cm)

Diet

Gelatinous zooplankton

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Conservation status:Critically Endangered

About this species

The Pacific leatherback is severely declining. It possesses an internal heat-regulation system.

Enrichment & behavioral stimulation

Leatherback Sea Turtle is aquatic โ€” enrichment centers on water quality, basking, and foraging variety.

  • Provide varied water depth with deep areas for swimming and shallow shelves for resting.
  • Add a sturdy dry basking platform under heat and UV.
  • Introduce gentle water movement or aeration for sensory variety.
  • Scatter food in the water to encourage swimming and searching.
  • Include underwater cover and hiding spots to reduce stress.
  • Provide a dry haul-out area for basking and resting.

Housing & Social Behavior

Solitary

Pelagic species impossible to keep in home captivity; strictly for large-scale professional rehabilitation.

Housing guidance is general and based on species-typical behavior; always verify against current husbandry references and observe individual temperament.