The marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), also known as the sea iguana, saltwater iguana, or Galápagos marine iguana, is a species of iguana exclusively endemic to the Galápagos Islands. As the name suggests, the iguana lives near the sea, feasting on algaes, which is considered unique among modern lizards. These animals mainly live in huge colonies on the rocky shores, but could be found in marshes, mangrove samps, and beaches.
Interestingly, the marine iguana first appeared during the Pliocene about 4.5 million years ago (two of the Galápagos islands were present at the time). Early visitors that first arrived on the island considered the iguanas ugly. The lizard was studied by Charles Darwin when he arrived in 1835 and was revolted by its appearance.
It is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN because it is threatened by El Nino cycles or introduced predators.
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The DNA of the marine iguana is used for the Costal cosmetic gene as a skin for dinosaurs.
