How big is the Flatback turtle?

Flatback turtle (Natator depressus) reaches 80–100 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Flatback turtle?

Flatback turtle is found between 1–60 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Flatback turtle?

IUCN status: Data deficient (DD).

Where can you find the Flatback turtle?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Mediterranean.

Flatback turtle (Natator depressus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Natator depressus
Common name: Flatback turtle
Category: Marine reptiles
Family: Cheloniidae
Genus: Natator
Size: 80–100 cm
Depth: 1–60 m
IUCN status: Data deficient (DD)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: seagrass-meadow, coral-reef
Behaviours: benthic
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Mediterranean

Description

Natator depressus reaches 1 m carapace and 90 kg. Sea turtle (Cheloniidae) endemic to northern Australia with body with characteristically flattened carapace (hence depressus) olive-green to olive-gray with slightly upturned edges, rounded head. Lives from 1 to 60 m on seagrass beds and coral reefs of Australian continental shelf only (most geographically restricted sea turtle). Omnivore (jellyfish, tunicates, mollusks, crustaceans). IUCN Data Deficient but probably threatened. Dive photo subject exclusively in Australia (Great Barrier Reef, Arafura Sea, Timor Sea), connoisseur encounter.

Photo of Flatback turtle

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Flatback turtle?: Flatback turtle (Natator depressus) reaches 80–100 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Flatback turtle?: Flatback turtle is found between 1–60 m deep.
Is the Flatback turtle dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Flatback turtle?: IUCN status: Data deficient (DD).
Where can you find the Flatback turtle?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Cheloniidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 344093)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2442173)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia