Amblyrhynchus cristatus

Marine Iguana

60-100 cm
10-12 ans
Vulnérable
À propos

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.

Taille

60-100 cm (total length, selon l'espèce)

Poids

1-12 kg

Durée de vie

10-12 ans

Statut

Vulnérable

Où les trouver

Meilleurs sites de plongée

Île Fernandina, GalápagosÎle Isabela, GalápagosÎle Española, Galápagos

Conseils de plongée

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.

Meilleure saison

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

Habitat

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

Régime alimentaire

Marine algae and seaweed, grazed from underwater rocks
Le saviez-vous ?

Faits amusants

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

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