The marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), also known as the sea iguana, saltwater iguana, or Galápagos marine iguana, is a species of iguana found only on the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador). Unique among modern lizards, it is a marine reptile that has the ability to forage in the sea for algae, which makes up almost all of its diet. [3] .

Each island hosts marine iguanas of unique size, shape and color. They look fierce, but are actually gentle herbivores, surviving exclusively on underwater algae and seaweed.

In order to survive, Iguanas have adapted to tackle the rough seas in this harsh but wildlife rich environment. Watch more high quality videos on the BBC Earth YouTube channel here: / bbcearth and...

The Marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is a species of iguana found only on the Galápagos Islands . Unique among modern lizards, it is a marine reptile that has the ability to forage in the sea for algae, which makes up almost all of its diet.

Marine iguanas have a nasal gland to “sneeze” out excess salt they accumulate while swimming. Their flat tails allow these lizards to propagate themselves forward underwater, similar to a crocodile. The dark color of these lizards’ bodies allows them …

Marine iguanas are most noted for their ability to feed in shallow, marine waters. They are herbivores and eat marine algae growing along rocky shores and underwater. In the water, they swim with a snake-like motion and hold themselves against the bottom with their long claws in …

Marine iguanas take to the water to feed. They mostly eat red and green algae, both in subtidal and deeper, cooler water. Their blunt noses and sharp teeth allow them to easily graze on the algae growing on rocks. They have also been seen eating grasshoppers, crustaceans and, on some islands, plants that grow on the land.

2024年3月1日 · A comprehensive guide to the Galápagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) - the world's only seagoing lizard. Learn all about their taxonomy, adaptations for life in coastal habitats, feeding behaviors, social dynamics, threats to survival, and conservation status of this iconic species endemic to the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador.

2025年1月6日 · The marine iguana is found only in the Galápagos Islands. From their sleek swimming skills underwater to their clumsy movements on land, they're perfectly adapted to their marine environment. These reptiles are an interesting phenomenon of animal ecology because of how marine iguanas evolved from land iguanas millions of years ago.

Marine Iguanas are found throughout the Galapagos Islands, but nowhere else in the world, which makes them yet another endemic creature of the Galapagos Isles. The largest populations and the largest individuals, are found in the western islands of the archipelago.