Wildlife | Birds | Reptiles | Aquatic Wildlife
| Mammals | Insects and Invertebrates
The Galapagos are affected by three different currents: the cold Humboldt and Cromwell currents and warm Panama currents. Roughly 17% of the marine life found in the islands are endemic to the Galapagos. Snorkelers and divers are treated to a spectacular gathering of aquatic wildlife, from rare whale and hammerhead sharks, to the colorful sally light-foot crab. Although treasured by wildlife enthusiasts, Galapagos marine animals are also sought after by the fishing industry. Sharks and sea cucumbers has been particularly vulnerable; while sharks are protected by the Galapagos Marine Reserve, they are still hunted illegally for their highly-priced fins to make shark fin soup. The following tables simply offer a sample of the aquatic wildlife found in the Islands.
Key to species' class:
Endemic: Found only in the Galapagos Islands
Endemic Sub-species: Species exists in other parts of the world, but no interbreeding with the Galapagos population. The Galapagos population may evolve into a distinct species.
Resident: Found on the Galapagos Islands and elsewhere in the world. Breeds on the islands and elsewhere. Arrived in the Islands naturally.
Visitor: Does not breed in the Galapagos. Is seen on a regular basis in the Islands.
Aquatic Wildlife
| Species |
Islands Best Viewed |
Class |
Characteristics |
|---|
| Galapagos Shark |
Floreana, San Cristobal |
Resident |
One of the most commonly viewed sharks in the Galapagos. A silverly-gray with a light underbelly. |
| Black-tipped Reef Shark |
Floreana, Santa Cruz |
Resident |
Very pointed snout, and black tips on its fins. Tends to keep its distance from humans. |
| White-tipped Reef Shark |
North Seymour, Espanola, Floreana, Bartolome |
Resident |
Have a rounded snout. Along with the Galapagos shark, white-tipped reef sharks are most commonly found in the islands. |
| Scalloped Hammerhead Shark |
Floreana, Genovesa, Santa Cruz |
Resident |
The Galapagos is one of the only places to view hammerheads in large schools. Easily distinguished by their odd-shaped, flat head. |
| Whale shark |
Darwin, Wolf |
Resident |
Reaching up to 180 feet, this is the largest fish in the world. Mainly found in open waters, but a rare sight in the islands. |
| Sally-lightfoot Crab |
Widespread |
Endemic |
Are often seen in large numbers. Their bright red-orange color make them a photographer's favorite. |
| Ghost Crab |
Widespread - intertidal zones |
Resident |
Flesh colored crab with eyes on stalks, which its lowers when it burrows. Small crab - roughly 4 inches. |
| Galapagos Hermit Crab |
Widespread - intertidal zones |
Endemic |
Small, dark black/brown crab. Like other hermit crabs, they do not make their own hard shell, but inhabit other mollusc shells. |
| Sea Cucumber |
Widespread |
Resident |
Relative of the starfish. Dark brown/black with yellow-brown bumps. Commercially exploited and their numbers have decreased dramatically. |
| Green Sea Urchin |
Widespread |
Endemic |
Small sea urchin with bright green spines. Frequently found in tidal pools. |
| Sand Dollar |
Widespread |
Endemic Sub-species |
An urchin, whose spins are virtually non-existent. A pale cream color with a clear five-armed star on its surface. Frequently washes onshore. |
| Chocolate Chip Sea Star |
Widespread - rocky coasts |
Resident |
Five-armed starfish. Orange in color with short black spines. Also called the spiny sunstar. |
| Sting Ray |
Widespread |
Resident |
Live up to 25 years, and can reach up to 6.5 feet long. Typically found in shallow, coastal waters. |
| Spotted Eagle Ray |
Widespread |
Resident |
Has a number of white spots on its body. Including its long tail, this ray can reach up to 16 feet long. |
| Manta Ray |
Widespread |
Resident |
Largest of the rays - specimens have been known to reach 25 feet across. Besides its large size, is distinguished by its horn-like features on the sides of the head. |
Galapagos Tours
Galapagos Cruises | Galapagos Multisport | Hiking Galapagos | Islands and Incas | Wildlife Odyssey
