Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are the largest living sea turtle species, distinguished by their unique, leathery carapace instead of a hard shell. These marine reptiles undertake extensive migrations and dive to impressive depths, reaching nearly 4,000 feet. Their immense size prompts questions about their physical capabilities, including bite strength.
The Leatherback’s Unique Mouth
Leatherback sea turtles feature a delicate, sharp-edged beak, unlike the hard, bony beaks of most other sea turtle species. This specialized beak is adapted for cutting and gripping prey, not crushing. Their jaws also have pointed cusps, aiding in piercing and holding food.
Hundreds of backward-pointing, spine-like structures called esophageal papillae line the leatherback’s mouth and throat. These papillae line the entire esophagus, preventing slippery prey from escaping once ingested. Powerful jaw muscles facilitate a firm grip and efficient processing of their diet, working with these internal spines.
Measuring the Bite’s Power
Measuring the bite force of large, free-swimming leatherback sea turtles presents significant challenges for researchers. Available data relies on estimations, with one suggesting a bite force of around 900 pounds per square inch (psi).
For context, a human’s bite force is considerably less, typically 120 to 160 psi. While a 900 psi estimate suggests substantial power, the leatherback’s bite is functionally different from turtles that crush hard-shelled prey. Loggerhead sea turtles, which consume hard-bodied organisms, can also exhibit bite forces around 900 psi, highlighting an adaptation for crushing.
Leatherback sea turtles are generally not aggressive towards humans. Bites are rare and occur only in self-defense if the animal feels threatened or is handled. Should a bite occur, their strong jaws and sharp-edged beak can cause serious injury, including severe bruising or bone fractures.
Diet and Hunting Strategy
The leatherback sea turtle’s mouth structure and bite capabilities are directly linked to its specialized diet. These turtles primarily consume soft-bodied invertebrates, such as jellyfish, salps, and sea squirts. They are often referred to as “gelatinivores” due to this dietary preference.
Their sharp-edged beak is used to slice or tear gelatinous prey, while robust jaw muscles ensure a secure hold. Backward-pointing esophageal papillae grip these slippery organisms, preventing escape as the turtle swallows. This adaptation is important because jellyfish offer little nutritional value, requiring vast consumption.
A leatherback’s bite strength is not for crushing hard shells, which are absent in their diet. Its main function is to firmly secure and efficiently process large, soft, gelatinous prey. This specialized feeding mechanism allows them to thrive in open ocean environments where jellyfish are abundant.