What is the scientific name of the marine iguana?<\/p>\n
The scientific name of the marine iguana is Amblyrhynchus cristatus. They are the only species in their genus, which means the genus is monotypic.<\/p>\n
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Marine iguana. John Alexander
\nWhat is unique about marine iguanas?<\/p>\n
Marine iguanas are the only sea-going lizards in the world! Experts aren’t sure exactly how far marine iguanas can swim, but have found that they can relocate between different islands \u2013 sometimes up to 65km between the islands!<\/p>\n
Marine iguanas also change colour during the mating season \u2013 with different subspecies adopting different colours. Near Espa\u00f1ola and Floreana they are most colourful \u2013 turning bright green and red and often known as the \u201cChristmas Iguana\u201d.<\/p>\n
Learn more about Gal\u00e1pagos wildlife: <\/p>\n
What do marine iguanas eat?<\/p>\n
Marine iguanas feed on algae<\/a> on rocks in the sea, with larger iguanas swimming further out and using their claws to hold onto rocks.<\/p>\n Smaller iguanas stay closer to the shore and feed in rock pools. Because there is so much salt in their diet, marine iguanas sneeze out excessive salt which would otherwise form salt crystals in their snout.<\/p>\n Please note that external videos may contain ads: <\/p>\n Swimming marine iguanas. \u00a9 BBC Earth<\/p>\n How do marine iguanas regulate their body temperature?<\/p>\n Iguanas are tend to group together to conserve heat, particular during night time. In the morning marine iguanas absorb heat by basking in the sun until they have enough energy to swim out to sea to feed.<\/p>\n When in the ocean, their heartbeat slows to half its normal pace in order to conserve energy and allow them to feed for as long as possible.<\/p>\n How long can marine iguanas hold their breath?<\/p>\n Marine iguanas can hold their breath for up to an hour<\/a><\/p>\n What predators do marine iguanas have?<\/p>\n Adult marine iguanas are rarely predated, but young marine iguanas are vulnerable to some predators such as hawks and the infamous endemic racer snakes, as filmed for Planet Earth II.<\/p>\n Please note that external videos may contain ads: <\/p>\n Iguana vs racer snakes. \u00a9 BBC<\/p>\n Hawk hunts marine iguanas. \u00a9 BBC Earth<\/p>\n Are marine iguanas endangered?<\/p>\n Marine iguanas are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red<\/a>, and was last assessed in 2019.<\/p>\n What threats do marine iguanas face?<\/p>\n When humans arrived in Galapagos, they brought cats and dogs with them. Cats and dogs have had a devastating impact on marine iguanas predating on the juveniles, which are poorly adapted to defending themselves against large land predators.<\/p>\n El Ni\u00f1o events also decrease the iguana population due to reducing their food supplies.<\/p>\n Please note that external videos may contain ads: <\/p>\n How marine iguanas are surviving climate change. \u00a9 BBC Earth<\/p>\n There is ongoing research looking into the impacts that marine plastic pollution, specifically microplastics, is having on marine iguanas in Galapagos.<\/p>\n How can I help marine iguanas?<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Marine-iguana-Simon-Pierce-4-910580a.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
A marine iguana grazes on algae underwater. Simon Pierce<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Marine-iguana-and-lava-lizard-June-Jacobsen-8b9b6e2.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
A marine iguana basks in the sunshine, with a lava lizard on its head. June Jacobsen<\/p>\n
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Aerial image of marine iguanas at San Cristobal Island in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands. \u00a9 Iguanas from Above<\/p>\n