Galapagos wildlife

Bacalao grouper

The Bacalao grouper is the local name for this large whitefish which is common in the waters around Galapagos.

Blacktip shark

One of the most common sharks in Galapagos, the blacktip shark is seen frequently in shallow coastal waters.

Galapagos bullhead shark

The Galapagos bullhead shark is a small, elusive shark that is mostly found in shallow sandy and rocky areas along the coast.

Galapagos ghost crab

The ghost crab is a small sand-coloured crab with a box-like body and long eyestalks, found commonly across the beaches of the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos hermit crab

Galapagos hermit crabs are decapods, a group of crustaceans, and use empty seashells to protect their abdomens. These soft-bodied squatters can only grow by finding a larger shell and ‘moving house'.

Galapagos shark

Despite its name, the Galapagos shark is not endemic to the Galapagos Marine Reserve, though it is a common sighting at many dive sites in Galapagos.

Rays of Galapagos

Galapagos is home to 15 different ray species, including the spotted eagle ray, the golden ray and the manta ray.

Red-lipped batfish

A bizarre creature endemic to Galapagos, the red-lipped batfish walks instead of swims and looks as though it is ready for a night on the town!

Sally Lightfoot crab

The brightly-coloured Sally Lightfoot crab is a common sight along the shores and beaches of most islands in Galapagos.

Scalloped hammerhead shark

The scalloped hammerhead shark is one of the most iconic marine species and the Galapagos Marine Reserve remains one of the best places in the world to see them.

Help the wildlife of Galapagos survive and thrive

There are many ways to support our vision for a sustainable Galapagos: why not adopt an animal, become a GCT member or donate today?