Ankylosphenodon (SciiFii)

The sea tuatara (Ankylosphenodon marinus), also known as the marine tuatara, is a species of sphenodontian that originally lived from Tepexi de Rodriguez, Mexico, during from Early Cretaceous and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced throughout the Pacific mainland coastlines of South America, Central America, and North America to help boost biodiversity. The sea tuatara is an average-sized reptile, growing to be about the same size as the New Zealand tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). It has the dense bones and a flattened tail that allows it to swim in the ocean and it has continuously growing teeth of a herbivore, allowing it to feast on underwater vegetation, filling the similar ecological niche to the marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) of the Galapagos islands. The sea tuataras mainly live in colonies on rocky shores where they bask after visiting the relatively cold water or intertidal zone, but can also be seen in marshes, mangrove and beaches. Large males defend territories for a short period, but smaller males have other breeding strategies. After mating, the female digs a nest hole in the soil where she lays her eggs, leaving them to hatch on their own a two months later. The conservation status of the sea tuatara is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the sea tuatara's wide range and its tolerance to most of human activities, including being able to adapt to life in the cities and suburbs.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii