Tropical Fish.

Sharks and Rays. In total, there are approximately 450 different fish species that live in or pass through the marine reserve including tropical fish, rays, sharks, whales, seahorses, corals, octopuses, and turtles to name a few, as well as coral, sea stars and even the not-so-charming sea slugs. The endemic Galapagos fur seal are less commonly seen. The Galapagos Islands have a diversity of endemic wildlife and activities that can only be seen and done within the confines of the archipelago. Around 550 species of fish inhabit the surrounding sea, with about 13.6% of the species being endemic. Galapagos tours offer opportunities for one of a kind experiences that put you in the midst of the natural world, connecting you with the exotic beauty of the islands. A lot of cetacean sightings were at the western side of Isabela, where the water is colder. Parrot fish (Scaridae family) are long, colorful fish that feed on organisms that live on and in coral. All life in Galapagos is ultimately dependant on the Humboldt current and the nutrients it brings with it every year. Latin Name: Sula nebouxii Habitat: Tropical/Subtropical islands in Pacific Ocean Size: 32 to 34 inches, 3.4 pounds Diet: Fish, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, squid Conservation Status: Least Concern, population stable The three booby species rank among the most popular birds of the Galapagos Islands, and the Blue-Footed Booby was easily our favorite. There are 19 Galapagos Islands (and many smaller islets), four of which are inhabited: San Cristobal, Isabela, Floreana and Santa Cruz.

On most islands live Galapagos sea lions. Snorkelers and scuba divers are devoting their full time to floating under the sea in the Galápagos because they know full well that life’s hotter under the water.

Often, you'll hear parrot fish underwater before you see them. But the normalness that I soon felt, and that the locals feel every day on these odd islands, still puzzles me.

They are excellent swimmers and will be encountered often underwater.

Galapagos Fish Facts | Galapagos Islands Wildlife Guide. The chance to swim in close proximity to a shark is one of the great underwater thrills for any nature enthusiast, and the Galapagos is home to close to 30 different species, including whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, horn sharks, tiger sharks, and whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. 6. Surprisingly, there are no native freshwater fish in Galápagos. Sharks. Blue-Footed Booby. The Galapagos Islands are well known for the wide variety of tropical fish that inhabit the colourful coral reefs. When I tell people I lived in Galapagos, most are shocked to hear that there are places where people live there, year-round. Almost 30 species of sharks haunt the waters of the Galapagos Islands, with some of the most prominent names being scalloped hammerheads, whale sharks, horn sharks, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, tiger sharks, Port Jackson sharks, and Galapagos sharks. The islands are world-renowed as one of the best places in the world for diving and snorkeling giving you the opportunity to observe a number of beautiful, exotic fish. In certain areas in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, you can dive or snorkel and come into contact with amazing aquatic species which live underwater such as Whales, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, rays, manta rays, sword fish and turtles, just to name a few. Some animals, such as the endemic Galapagos penguin, rely at least partly on the cool water to survive, while others, such as the Galapagos sea lion, feast on the fish that live off of the nutrients brought in from the south. Some of these beautiful fish … Whales and Dolphins are encountered when cruising between the islands. The Galapagos Islands are typically known for the unique animals that can be seen plodding, scampering and flying over the land, such as giant tortoises or Darwin finches; however, many believe that the life that inhabits the surrounding marine reserve actually outshines Galapagos terrestrial life. Galapagos fish may not be as famous as the islands’ other animal inhabitants. They have to crush the coral with their "beak" of a mouth, which gives them their name. Contrary to popular belief, people do live on the Galapagos Islands.