Sometimes called the real-life Godzilla, marine iguanas are a real marvel of evolution. Discovered within the Galápagos Islands, marine iguanas have tailored uniquely to a life each on land and within the ocean. Divers and wildlife fanatics are captivated by the reptiles’ spectacular swimming skills and their hanging look. On this weblog, we’ll dive into some enjoyable info concerning the marine iguana and present you why they may simply be the rationale you’ll wish to seize a masks and snorkel or turn out to be an authorized scuba diver!
1. Marine Iguanas Are Ocean Grazers
Marine iguanas are identified to be ocean grazers, attributable to their distinctive diversifications for underwater feeding. They dive as deep as 30 ft (9 meters) to feed on marine algae. They use their robust, clawed ft to cling to rocks whereas scraping algae off with their tooth. Their streamlined our bodies and highly effective tails assist them transfer effortlessly by way of the water. Because of this, marine iguanas don’t want good dive circumstances to get their meal in!
2. They Are Solar-Seekers
After trying to find meals and diving within the chilly waters of the Galápagos, these iguanas climb onto close by lava rocks to bask within the solar. They use their darkish, tough scales to soak up daylight, which is essential for elevating their physique temperature. This act of sunbathing helps them regulate their cold-blooded metabolism, offering the heat wanted for digestion and total power.
Many divers and wildlife photographers love their ‘sunbathing show’, so make sure to have your cameras prepared. That being mentioned, it’s at all times essential to maintain a protected distance and be sure to’re not disturbing the animal.
3. Their Sneezes Are Salty
Higher be careful! Marine iguanas have a really fascinating manner of coping with the salt they ingest whereas feeding underwater. Since these reptiles don’t have a method to filter out salt earlier than it enters their our bodies, they’ve give you a method to do away with it. They accomplish that by sneezing! Marine iguanas can sneeze out the salt through the use of particular glands close to their nostrils. These glands filter the salt from their blood and assist the iguana steadiness their salt ranges. If you happen to occur to be round them, simply be sure to’re not within the ‘splash zone’!
5. Marine Iguanas Can Show Dazzling Colours
In the course of the breeding season, which usually happens between January and March, male marine iguanas endure a must-see transformation. Their often darkish pores and skin takes on a spectrum of vivid colours to be a magnet for females. The extra intense and vibrant the colours, the extra enticing the male seems to potential mates. Not solely do they appeal to females this manner, however they use these colours to keep off different male rivals. The iguanas’ colours combined with the black volcanic rock and blue waters of the Galápagos is a sight price seeing, particularly for wildlife and ocean lovers.
6. Marine Iguanas Have Existed for Hundreds of thousands of Years
For anybody eager about prehistoric life, seeing marine iguanas is like taking a step again in time. They’ve been round for thousands and thousands of years and might thrive in very distinctive habitats when in comparison with different modern-day reptiles. Marine iguanas are principally mini underwater dinosaurs which have efficiently made the ocean their residence. Who wouldn’t wish to have the possibility to satisfy them face-to-face?
Sadly, the inhabitants of marine iguanas is susceptible to extinction. Defending them is essential as a result of they play a significant position within the ecosystem of the Galápagos. Marine iguanas are the one lizards on the planet that may forage within the ocean, serving to to take care of wholesome algae ranges. As Ocean Torchbearers™, it’s our job to assist safeguard their habitats and assist conservation efforts.
Meet The Actual Life Godzilla
As an authorized scuba diver, you possibly can witness these unbelievable animals of the Galápagos. Divers have the flexibility to see how marine iguanas discover and navigate the underwater world firsthand. The whole lot from feeding on algae to looking for heat within the solar after a dip within the ocean. Watching them dive, swim, and work together of their marine surroundings is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. Let’s not neglect that these reptiles additionally permit us to return in time. Flip off that documentary and expertise it for your self!
With PADI programs, you’ll achieve the talents and confidence wanted to embark on unbelievable underwater journeys. Begin as we speak and open the door to experiences that join you with the wealthy historical past and biodiversity of our blue planet.
