The Size of the Leather Turtle

Abstract

As trustworthy weights and measurements of large turtles are not often available, the following measurements and weight of a leather-back turtle, Sphargis, are submitted in the hope of eliciting further data regarding this or other species. The total length of the animal, measured along the curve from the nose to tail, was 6 feet 10 inches; the carapace along the curve, 5 feet 2 inches; the circumference at the widest part of the carapace, 7 feet 2 inches; from tip to tip of front flippers, over the shoulders, 8 feet 9 inches. Weight, a little more than 840 lb., for, when on the scales, the tips of the large front flippers rested on the ground. This is one of the largest turtles of this species that has come under my observation. Another specimen that I was able to weigh turned the scales at 740 lb.