Quick answer
Leatherback Sea Turtles feed on carnivore — jellyfish and salps almost exclusively, adjusting seasonally based on local habitat and prey or plant availability.
Diet overview
Leatherback Sea Turtles are reptiles that rely on carnivore — jellyfish and salps almost exclusively. Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtles — up to 700 kg with leathery shells and thermoregulation allowing cold-water foraging. Living about 45 years and diving over 1,000 metres, they eat almost exclusively jellyfish — listed Vulnerable from plastic ingestion.
Feeding behaviour
Foraging strategy varies by season. Leatherback Sea Turtles may hunt, graze, filter-feed, or scavenge depending on ecology.
Role in the food web
As reptiles, they interact with predators, prey, and competitors across their range.
Human-related feeding risks
Never feed wild leatherback sea turtles — it habituates animals to people and can spread disease.
Sources
FAQs
What do leatherback sea turtles eat?
Carnivore — jellyfish and salps almost exclusively.
Are leatherback sea turtles carnivores or herbivores?
Their diet is best described as: carnivore — jellyfish and salps almost exclusively.
Do leatherback sea turtles change diet seasonally?
Yes — many species shift food sources as seasons and prey abundance change.
Can I feed wild leatherback sea turtles?
No — feeding wild animals is unsafe and often illegal.