Fun Facts About Marine Iguanas
1. Marine iguanas are endemic to the Galapagos Islands and are the only marine lizard species in the world.
2. Marine iguanas can dive more than 65 feet (20 m) underwater.
3. Unlike land lizards, marine iguanas have blunt snouts that help them feed on algae underwater. They also have flattened tails that help them swim efficiently.
4. Marine iguanas typically spend only a few minutes underwater eating but can spend up to 30 minutes at a time submerged.
5. Male marine iguanas can grow to 4.3 feet (1.3 m) long, while females are generally about 2 feet (0.6 m) long.
6. Marine iguanas “sneeze out” excess salt their body collects while underwater through a nasal gland.
7. It is believed that around 4.5 million years ago, marine iguanas evolved from land iguanas that were brought to the Galapagos and adapted to a sea-faring life in order to survive on the islands.
