Marine Iguana, Amblyrhynchus cristatus
This is why I went to the Galapagos! CUTE!!!!! |
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Marine Iguana
The only sea-going lizard in the world, the marine iguana was probably among the first creatures to colonize the Galapagos. They may have once been land animals, turning to the sea for food when land resources became scarce.
Marine iguanas eat an array of marine algae, as well as crustaceans, grasshoppers, and even the occasional sea lion afterbirth. The majority of iguanas, including females and juveniles, feed intertidally or on exposed reefs close to shore. Larger males, however, are famous for their offshore swimming and diving abilities. They can be found as deep as 40 feet underwater! An average dive may last from five to 10 minutes, with the longest observed at about an hour.
Because of high salt levels in their diet, marine iguanas have developed particularly effective salt glands, located above the eye and connected to the nostrils via ducts. Salt is removed by frequent sneezing, explaining the often salt-encrusted heads.
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Galapagos Penguin and Sea Lion
This sea lion repeatedly popped his head out of the water to entice the penguin into playing with him. It worked! The little penguin jumped in with a big splash and swam with the sea lion! |
