This small to medium sized sea turtle inhabits coral reefs and uses it's long, narrow beak to probe for sponges and other bottom dwelling invertebrates. The Leatherback does not nest on or come close to Hawaii's shores. It is seen regularly on the open ocean where it feeds almost exclusively on jellyfish. Weighing as much as 1500 pounds, leatherbacks are the giants of the world's sea turtles. This species is the only sea turtle without a hard shell.
Sea turtles are graceful saltwater reptiles, well adapted to life in their marine world.
With streamlined bodies and flipper-like limbs, they are able to swim long distances in relatively short time. When they are active, sea turtles must swim to the ocean surface to breathe every few minutes. Green turtles often rest in caves or under ledges in deep water. A lthough sea turtles live most of their lives in the ocean, adult females must return to land in order to lay their eggs. Scientists believe that nesting female turtles return to the same beach on which they were born.