What is the name of the only marine iguana species?

The only marine iguana species is called the marine iguana, or sea iguana; its scientific name is Amblyrhynchus cristatus. It is found only on the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador.

This lizard is unique among living lizards because it regularly enters the sea to feed. Marine iguanas mainly graze on algae growing on rocks and in shallow water. Large males can swim and dive for food, while females and smaller individuals often feed in the intertidal zone when the tide is low.

The species has several adaptations for a marine lifestyle. Its flattened body and strong tail help it swim, and specialized glands near the nose remove excess salt. After cold ocean dives, it often basks in the sun to raise its body temperature and restore energy.

Marine iguanas are not the same as land iguanas, although both evolved in the Galápagos and can occur on some of the same islands. “Galápagos iguana” is a broader informal phrase, while “marine iguana” is the standard common name for this species. The species itself is divided into multiple subspecies.