What is the largest species of turtle?

The largest species of turtle is the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which can grow up to 2.91 meters (9.5 feet) in length and weigh over 961 kilograms (2,120 pounds). Leatherbacks are unique in that they lack a hard shell; instead, they have a leathery, flexible carapace that allows them to dive to great depths, sometimes reaching over 1,200 meters (3,900 feet). These turtles are found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world and feed primarily on jellyfish.