Galapagos Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Amblyrhynchus cristatus
- Common name
- Galapagos Marine Iguana
- Category
- Marine reptiles
- Family
- Iguanidae
- Genus
- Amblyrhynchus
- Size
- 60–120 cm
- Depth
- 0–15 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, diurnal
- Ocean zones
- Eastern Pacific
Description
Amblyrhynchus cristatus reaches 1.2 m. The world's only marine lizard, endemic to the Galapagos Islands (East Pacific). Black to gray body, prominent dorsal crest. Specialized herbivore, dives to feed on algae on rocky shores. Critical temperature regulator - basking in sun to maintain body heat. Population threatened by fishing and climate change (IUCN VU). Iconic species for Galapagos divers.
Photo of Galapagos Marine Iguana
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Galapagos Marine Iguana?
- Galapagos Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) reaches 60–120 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Galapagos Marine Iguana?
- Galapagos Marine Iguana is found between 0–15 m deep.
- Is the Galapagos Marine Iguana dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Galapagos Marine Iguana?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the Galapagos Marine Iguana?
- Found in: Eastern Pacific.
Similar species
- Eretmochelys imbricata - Hawksbill turtle
- Chelonia mydas - Green sea turtle
- Laticauda colubrina - Banded sea krait
- Hydrophis cyanocinctus - Annulated sea snake
- Pelamis platura - Yellow-bellied sea snake
- Lepidochelys olivacea - Olive ridley turtle
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 344019)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5224602)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia