Actual documentation of age is rare. Lifespan is estimated to be 50 years or more. Mainly jellyfish, but also sea urchins, crustaceans, squid, fish and floating seaweed. Federally and state endangered. The black limbs are paddle-like and clawless.
Young leatherbacks are black, with more conspicuous white markings than adults.
In the United States, the species nests mainly along the Florida coast, but nesting has been documented as far north as North Carolina. Leatherbacks mate offshore in shallow waters near the nesting area. The females dig their flask-shaped nests at night on sloping sandy beaches backed by vegetation. Six clutches can be laid in a season, with a 10-day period between nesting. The females may renest up to 7 miles from the first nest.