Characteristics

When compared to other sea turtle species, the Australian flatback (Natator depressus) stands out due to its unique morphological traits. The almost flat carapace is one of its defining characteristics and the source of its popular name. The carapace is flatter than the domes of other sea turtles, which helps it thrive in its shallow-water environment.

Turtles' carapaces are oval in form and vary in length from 90 to 95 cm (35 to 37 inches) in adults. Its wide, strong aspect is complemented by its large breadth of carapace. It is possible that the slightly cocked carapace margins help the turtle with hydrodynamics while it swims through coastal waters.

The flatback turtle is characterized by its carapace being an olive-grey tint. This subdued tone aids in camouflage by blending in with the sandy and muddy surroundings found along the shore, protecting it from potential predators. In contrast to the darker carapace, the underside of the shell, known as the plastron, is a light yellow. This pattern of hue is continuous from one person to the next, with the possible exception of very little deviations.

With a rather flattened shape, the flatback turtle has a huge head in comparison to its body. In the space between its eyes, you can see the distinctive pair of prefrontal scales that define this species. The powerful beak is an adaptation to the diet of soft-bodied invertebrates, which includes mollusks, sea cucumbers, jellyfish, and others. Serrated jaws aid in capturing and devouring food.

The flippers of a flatback turtle make it an ideal swimmer for coastal waters. The principal mode of propulsion is provided by the lengthy, paddle-like forelimbs. One feature that sets them apart from other sea turtle species is the presence of a single claw on each forelimb. The shorter hind flippers help in steering. The comparatively strong currents and tidal motions encountered in their shallow-water environments may be traversed by use of their muscular limbs.

Compared to other sea turtle species, flatback hatchlings are noticeably bigger, coming into this world with a weight of around 43 grams (1.5 ounces) and a length of about 6 centimeters (2.4 inches). They may be less susceptible to predators due to their bigger size, which might provide them a survival advantage. Like adults, hatchlings help with concealment right from the start with their dark gray plumage and lighter plastron.

As for weight, mature flatback turtles often fall in between 70 and 90 kg (154 to 198 lb). Because of their enormous size and relatively high weight, they are somewhat protected from predators. Their strong bodies let them to stay put all day long, eating nothing but benthic crustaceans that live on the ocean bottom. The distinctive evolutionary trajectory of the flatback sea turtle is borne out by its physically tailored features, which are ideal for its ecological niche