Iguanas

Marine iguanas are found nowhere else in the world. Without limited food sources on the islands, they turned to the ocean for sustinence and have evolved into excellent swimmers. They can hold their breath for 10 minutes while eating the green algae on rocks.

The large males are territorial. This one is protecting HIS cactus. On islands where iguanas don't live, the upuntia cacti grows closer to the ground and has soft hair instead of needles.

With no fresh water on many of the islands, they gather moisture from chewing on plants and cacti fruit.

The older males have bright yellow and orange markings to attract the ladies. They have short, pudgy faces for easy access to the salty seaweed. 1/2 of their length can be their tail, and they can grow up to 5 feet long.