Marine iguana

The Galápagos Marine Iguana is endemic to the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, where it is primarily found along rocky shorelines and in stands of mangroves. But it can also be encountered diving under water, since it is the only reptile that forages in the ocean, primarily for algae. After a diving foray in the cold water, the iguanas’ black base color facilitates the quick restoring of their body heat in the sun. The males’ color changes with the seasons. On the southern islands, they turn green and red during mating season. Juveniles, on the other hand, can be recognized by the lightly colored lines on their back.