Watch out! There’s Godzilla swimming and foraging in the ocean! Hehehe… it’s not Godzilla the giant animal-like in the movie, but a sea iguana. This iguana is the only type of iguana that lives in water.
- The marine iguana, scientifically named Amblyrhynchus cristatus, is endemic to the Galapagos Islands, part of the country of Ecuador.
- Marine iguanas are often dubbed Godzilla. Because its appearance is similar to the Godzilla monster in the film.
- Male marine iguanas can grow up to 1.3 meters. While the female is generally about 0.6 meters. When in the water, this iguana can dive up to 20 meters.
- Although not a nimble breed on land, marine iguanas are excellent swimmers. It can move easily in the water while looking for food.
- Despite their spooky looks, marine iguanas are herbivores. It likes to eat marine algae that grow along rocky shores and underwater.
- According to research, marine iguanas will swim with snake-like movements. It will hold itself at the bottom of the sea by gripping rocks in strong currents while looking for food.
- Oh yes, marine iguanas have salt glands in their bodies. Because they like to dive and swallow a lot of salty water in the ocean, so that their bodies are not dehydrated (lack of body fluids) marine iguanas must excrete salt without wasting water. Well, that’s a special gland that can remove salt from the body.
- in the morning, marine iguanas like to bask in the sun. It absorbs heat with its body scales until it has enough energy to swim into the sea.
- Upon entering the water, the marine iguana’s heart rate will slow down. The goal is to save energy and to be able to eat as long as possible in the water.
- Unfortunately, marine iguanas are endangered animals. Sea iguana eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predators. In addition, rising sea levels and air temperatures also affect the habitat of marine iguanas and interfere with egg development.
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