The Galapagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is endemic to the Galapagos Islands. They can be found in almost every island and often among coastal rocks, mangroves, lava rocks and on beaches. The Galapagos marine iguanas are the only species of iguana that feed on sea plants which makes up a majority of their diet. The marine iguanas are now classified into 11 different types of sub-species. Among the species discovered is the Amblyrhynchus cristatus Godzilla which is similar to the Godzilla we know so well from movies.
Marine iguanas are different in size in every island. In Isabela Island, they can be as heavy as 11 KG while those in Genovesa Island can weigh less than 1 KG. Female marine iguanas, usually smaller in comparison to their male counterparts, measure up to 60 centimetres, while male iguanas can grow up to 1.3 metres! During a non-mating season, marine iguanas are usually black. However, during mating season (from December/January onwards), scales on male marine iguanas will transform into gorgeous colours. For example in Española Island, the marine iguanas turn red or green, thus the name – Christmas iguanas. The colours come from pigmentation digested from the consumption of Algae. However, female iguanas are not swayed by bright colours but are attracted to larger-sized males instead.
