What does a marine iguana eat?

What Does a Marine Iguana Eat?

The marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is a unique species of lizard that is found only on the Galapagos Islands. It is the only lizard that can live and forage in the sea, and is well adapted to its marine environment. But what does a marine iguana eat?

Seaweed: The Main Source of Food

Marine iguanas are primarily herbivores, and their main source of food is seaweed. They feed on a variety of seaweed species, including red, green, and brown algae. In fact, seaweed makes up to 90% of their diet. Marine iguanas are able to extract nutrients from the seaweed using their powerful jaws and specialized digestive system.

Other Marine Plants

In addition to seaweed, marine iguanas also feed on other marine plants, including:

• Sea grasses: Marine iguanas feed on various species of sea grasses, including those found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries.
• Kelp: Kelp is a type of brown algae that is common in the Galapagos Islands. Marine iguanas feed on the fronds and stems of kelp plants.
• Coral: Marine iguanas may also feed on coral polyps, particularly those that are soft and vulnerable.

Invertebrates: A Supplemental Food Source

While marine iguanas are primarily herbivores, they may also feed on invertebrates as a supplemental food source. These include:

• Crabs: Marine iguanas may feed on crabs, including species such as the red crab (Pseudemyra rubra) and the blue crab (Maja squinado).
• Shrimps: Marine iguanas may also feed on shrimps, including species such as the pea crab (Pinnotheres pisum).
• Snails: Marine iguanas may feed on snails, including species such as the Galapagos snail (Archachatina ventricosa).

Terrestrial Plants: A Rarity

Marine iguanas do not typically feed on terrestrial plants, but they may occasionally eat fruits and flowers that have fallen into the water. This is particularly common during times of drought, when seaweed is scarce and marine iguanas may need to search for alternative food sources.

Why Do Marine Iguanas Need to Eat So Much?

Marine iguanas are able to survive in the harsh marine environment of the Galapagos Islands due to their specialized diet and digestive system. They are able to extract nutrients from their food sources, which are often low in calories and nutrients. As a result, marine iguanas need to eat constantly to survive. They may eat up to 10% of their body weight in food each day, which is much higher than most other reptiles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, marine iguanas are primarily herbivores that feed on a variety of seaweed species and other marine plants. While they may also feed on invertebrates and occasional terrestrial plants, seaweed is their main source of food. Marine iguanas are well adapted to their marine environment, and their specialized diet and digestive system allow them to survive in this challenging ecosystem.

Table: Marine Iguana Food Sources

Note: The percentages in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the location and time of year.