Peruvian sea: characteristics and animals

The first thing that should be said about the Grau Sea is that it is not a sea itself, but a Pacific Ocean Strip which extends 200 miles west. It is not, therefore, a sea in the geographical sense, but one in political terms.

The Peruvian Sea is also divided into two large regions, the northern and the central-market. The first covers the territory between Boca de Capones and the Illescas Peninsula. It is more blue waters and has greater salinity due to the most tropical climate in which it is located. The central-market region, on the other hand, covers from Illescas to the border with neighbor Chile. It has more greenish waters and are lower salinity, in addition to biologically richer.

Grau’s sea is also in an area affected by a Complex Sea Systemamong which are the Peruvian or Humboldt current and the child’s current, as well as others of minor.

Peruvian or Grau sea temperature

Due to the unique influence that the waters of the Peruvian sea receive from the Humboldt current, its temperature is much lower than it should take into account its tropical situation. This means that, despite the fact that the waters of the Peruvian sea should have an approximate temperature of 25ºC or 26ºC taking into account their latitude, they actually have a average temperature of only 18.2ºC.

However, this temperature is not stable in its entire surface. The northern region has a higher temperature in its waters, while the central-market region, more affected by the Humboldt current, has lower temperatures.

As we have already said, the waters of the Peruvian sea are very rich in biodiversity, and in them we can find a great diversity of fauna. These are some of the Peruvian Sea Animals most prominent.

Humboldt penguin

You cannot, for example, talk about the Grau Sea without mentioning Humboldt’s penguin. This species of bird, which is in danger of extinction, comes to measure up to seventy centimeters high and is located on Foca Island. It is a bird that is practically a symbol of the country, and that is known for its ability to climb rocks to jumps. Others Grau Sea Birds They are the Guanay, the Piquero, the Alcatraz and the Bobo Bird.

Marsopa Espinosa

In its waters there are also several cetaceans, being one of the most representative of the La Marsopa Espinosa area, which inhabits poor depth waters. This shy cetacean and approximately 150 centimeters in length, is protected, but despite this almost 2000 copies are lost every year due to illegal fishing and exploitation practices.

Lute turtle

The lute turtle should not be forgotten either, the largest galapago that currently exists, which can measure more than 2 meters and weigh up to 700 kg. The population of this unique importance is also in a negative tendency, that is, there is less and less, and it is estimated that it could disappear completely in a few decades.

In this other article we clarify more a frequent doubt about this species: is the lute turtle in danger of extinction?

Molluscs

In addition, the region has a large number of mollusks, such as choro, fan shells, black shells and machas.

Peruvian Sea Fish

The waters of the sea of ​​Grau also house a great diversity of fish, some of which are the following:

• Anchovy
• Blue shark
• Tuna
• Pretty
• Mackerel
• Mackerel
• Guitar fish

The Grau Sea Biological Wealth It is not limited to fauna; It has a large number of plant species that are worth mentioning. These are some of the most important species of the Flora of the Peruvian Sea:

Mococho or yuyo

This red algae is very widespread human consumption in Peru. It eats fresh, for example in salads, and is very rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Sargasso

This algae stands out for reaching lengths of up to 20 meters, remaining upright thanks to the “floats” that houses in its leaves. Form very spectacular landscapes for divers, reminiscent of authentic underwater forests.

Learn more about what sargasso is in this other post of ecology.

Mangroves

Thanks to their ability to survive in brackish waters, mangroves are also extended along the coast of the Peruvian Sea, forming shelters and ecosystems for a large number of animals.

Here we explain more about what a mangrove is and its characteristics.

Phytoplankton

It is formed by microscopic size algae, and forms the base of marine ecosystems. However, climate change affects you negatively, and your number is reduced every year.

If you want to read more articles similar to Peruvian sea: characteristics and animalswe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.