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The Curious Bag
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Leatherback sea turtles can be found in oceans all over the world because they can survive in a wide range of temperatures. They are found as far north as the coasts of Norway and as far south as the coasts of Chile. They travel far and eat a variety of soft-bodied seafood.
Jellyfish
Jellyfish are the premier choice of food for leatherback sea turtles. Jellyfish are not a great source of nutrients because they are composed of mostly water. However, the leatherback sea turtle can survive easily on them
Diet of Young Leatherbacks
Any growing creature consumes a lot of food. A baby leatherback can eat two times its weight in jellyfish.
How Leatherbacks eat Jellyfish
A leatherback sucks the jellyfish into its mouth by expanding its throat. Leatherbacks have scissor-like jaws and mouth cavities lined with jagged spines that help them eat the jellyfish.
Problems
Plastic bags in the ocean pose a problem for leatherbacks. Plastic bags, when floating in the water, strongly resemble jellyfish. If a turtle eats the bag thinking it is a jellyfish, it will most likely choke.
Other Food
Although they eat mostly jellyfish, sea turtles will also eat fish, mollusks, squid, sea urchins and other marine creatures.
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