Too Ugly to Eat

The Galapagos marine iguana is basking in his own ugliness. Do I detect a bit of a smug smile?

In 1798, Captain James Colnett wrote:
"The guanas are small, and of a sooty black, which, if possible, heightens their native ugliness. Indeed, so disgusting is their appearance, that no one on board could be prevailed on, to take them as food."

These guys have always been repulsive, evidently to their benefit. That might explain his smile.

Photo courtesy: Franz