Marine Iguana

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Galapagos Marine Iguana

For humans with any lizard experience, the Iguana of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands is a casual and unusual entertainer, even if not the most attractive creature in the area.
The only marine lizard in the world, they feed on algae growing on the abundent rocky outcrops of the islands, and also small crustacea. They grow up to about four feet long, half tail, with an impressive scalyiness.
Their time is largely spent lazing about on the rocks until optimum temperature is reached, then into the water for up to an hour to feed, only to get cold again, requiring a rapid heat exchange with the sun on the rocks again.
Mass heat sharing cuddles are common, though male dominance and defensive aggression is demonstrated by head bobbing displays, and if necessary a physically harmless head pushing contest. Emotional scars only - followed by more togetherness.
Marine Iguanas often have crusty heads, which is actually salty bogies which they have sneezed out.
See the Galapagos map or Galapagos cruises information.

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