Yes, some sea turtle species, most notably the leatherback sea turtle, primarily eat jellyfish.
Here's a more detailed look:
- Leatherback Sea Turtles: These are jellyfish specialists. Their diet consists almost entirely of jellyfish and other gelatinous zooplankton. They play a critical role in controlling jellyfish populations in the ocean.
- Other Sea Turtle Species: While leatherbacks are the primary jellyfish consumers, other sea turtle species, particularly when young, may also consume jellyfish as part of a more varied, omnivorous diet. However, jellyfish are not their main food source. Species such as the loggerhead sea turtle have been known to eat jellyfish on occasion.
It's important to note that eating jellyfish can pose a risk to sea turtles, as they can sometimes ingest plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish. This plastic consumption can lead to blockages in their digestive systems and other health problems.
In summary, while not all sea turtles eat jellyfish, the leatherback sea turtle relies heavily on them as its primary food source.
