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Galapagos: dive with the dragon of the sea

By : Alexander Benedik | Duration : 4min 7sec | Channel : Diving Trips
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Galapagos marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) are an endemic species to the Ecuadorian archipelago of the Galapagos; it cannot be found anywhere else. Females can measure up to 40 in. and males up to 70 in.

From the same family as lizards, this cold blooded animal spends most of its day laying in the sun on dark volcanic rocks.  It waits for its body temperature to be warm enough to dive in the fresh water of the Pacific Ocean (66°F) to look for algae to eat.
 
This video « Dragons of the Sea » was shot on the 13th of April 2012, off the west coast of Fernandina Island. The videographer, Alexander Benedik, one of the famous members of the YouDive.tv team, got the incredible luck to film this rare scene. Because of the cool water temperature, marine iguanas cannot dive more than 10 minutes before going back in the sun to warm up again.

As you can see in this video, for ten long minutes against tidal currents, the marine iguanas use their powerful legs and sharp claws to hold on the rock during their algae feast.

© Alexander Benedik www.globaldivemedia.com  / Music by Gotard