Amblyrhynchus cristatus

Marine Iguana

60-100 cm
10-12 Jahre
Gefährdet
Über

Marine Iguana

The marine iguana is the world's only ocean-going lizard, found exclusively in the Galápagos Islands. These remarkable reptiles have evolved to feed on underwater algae, diving to depths of up to 12 metres and spending up to 30 minutes submerged. Their dark colour helps them absorb heat after their cold underwater foraging sessions.

Größe

60-100 cm (gesamt length, artabhängig)

Gewicht

1-12 kg

Lebenserwartung

10-12 Jahre

Status

Gefährdet

Wo man sie findet

Beste Tauchorte

Fernandina-Insel, GalápagosIsabela-Insel, GalápagosEspañola-Insel, Galápagos

Tauchtipps

Marine iguanas are best observed snorkelling in shallow waters. They are remarkably tolerant of humans and will continue feeding even with snorkellers nearby. Look for them on rocky shores warming up before and after feeding dives. Keep a respectful distance and never block their path back to shore.

Beste Saison

Year-round; breeding season January-April with colourful males

Lebensraum

Rocky shorelines, tide pools, and shallow waters of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Ernährung

Marine algae and seaweed, grazed from underwater rocks
Wusstest du?

Fun Facts

1

They can shrink their skeleton during food-scarce El Niño events

2

Marine iguanas sneeze out excess salt through a nasal gland

3

Charles Darwin famously called them 'hideous' and 'most disgusting'

4

Different island populations vary dramatically in size and colour

Starte dein Abenteuer

Bereit, mit diesem Tier zu tauchen?

Entdecke unsere Tauchsafari-Expeditionen zu den besten Tauchzielen