The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the biggest of all turtles alive, reaching a length of 2 metres and a weight of up to 1300 lb (600 kg). It is found in all tropic and subtropic oceans. It is the only species in the family Dermochelyidae.
This species of sea turtle has a rather unique thermal physiology. Its metabolic rate is approximately 3 times higher than one would expect for a reptile of its size, which, coupled with counter-current heat exchangers and large size, allow it to maintain a body temperature above that of the surrounding water.
The Leatherback Sea Turtle is found in all tropic and subtropic oceans.
It is the only extant species in the genus Dermochelys and the family Dermochelyidae.
Wood R.C., Johnson-Gove J., Gaffney E.S. and Maley K.F. (1996) - Evolution and phylogeny of leatherback turtles (Dermochelyidae), with descriptions of new fossil taxa.
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