A flat-shelled Australian turtle.

Statistics
These turtles grows to a length of 1m (3.3ft).

Physical description
Flatback turtles have a depressed shell, which is quite wide with turned up sides. The ridges on their backs are olive-grey in colour.

Distribution
Flatback turtles are found off the north and northeastern coasts of Australia.

Habitat
They inhabit the open sea but are more common in shallow coastal waters.

Diet
Flatbacks are carnivorous, feeding on sea cucumbers, prawns and other invertebrates.

Behaviour
While in the sea, flatback turtles tend to spend much of the day basking in the sun at the surface, sometimes with sea birds perched on their backs.

Reproduction
Nesting is in November and December, with mating occurring in the waters off the beach at that time. A clutch averages 50 eggs, which is larger than other turtle species. The resulting hatchlings are also larger, though as adults they will be smaller in comparison to these other species.

Conservation status
Flatback turtles are not listed by the IUCN.