Dermochelys coriacea, commonly known as the leatherback sea turtle, is the largest of all sea turtles. It is distinguished by its leathery shell, lack of bony scales, and its impressive migratory patterns. Leatherbacks inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide and primarily feed on jellyfish.

Dermochelys coriacea, commonly known as the leatherback sea turtle, is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It has a wide geographical distribution, spanning tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Key areas include the coasts of the Americas, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Nesting occurs on sandy beaches in countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Suriname, Gabon, and Indonesia.

Leatherback sea turtles primarily inhabit open ocean waters but are also found in coastal areas, especially during nesting season. They prefer warm tropical and subtropical waters but are capable of traveling into cooler temperate zones. The typical environmental conditions include a range of sea surface temperatures from 26°C to 30°C, although they have been recorded in waters as cold as 0°C.

The leatherback turtle plays a critical role in marine ecosystems, primarily as a jellyfish predator. By controlling jellyfish populations, they help maintain a balance in the ocean food web. Leatherbacks are highly migratory, often traveling thousands of kilometers between feeding and nesting sites. Their large size and ability to regulate body temperature allow them to dive to great depths (over 1,000 meters), accessing deep sea jellyfish and other prey.