THE 20 MOST OUTSTANDING ANIMALS OF THE MEXICAN COAST - BIOLOGY - 2025

The animals of the coast of Mexico are numerous and very varied. The Gulf of Mexico is home to more than 15,420 species; from coastal estuaries to the deep sea, the Gulf's biodiversity is abundant.

On the other hand, in the Riviera Maya there are also thousands of typical animals of that region that can be easily observed in the area.

The most important cities on the Mexican coast include: Tijuana, Ensenada, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Salina Cruz on the Pacific coast. In the Riviera Maya, Xcaret, Tulum, Yucatan and Cancun stand out.

Mexico is home to more than 2,900 species of vertebrate animals, among which 520 are mammals.

It also has more than 1,400 species of birds, including 50 species of hummingbirds. It is normal for many birds to make their nests in the coastal regions, especially in the lagoons and estuaries, and in the Yucatan peninsula and on the Pacific coast.

You may also be interested in the fauna of Mexico or this list of some of its endemic animals.

The 20 animals of the Mexican coast

1- Flamingos

Flamingos are native to Mexico. These pink birds naturally live in shallow ponds or lakes.

Their long legs allow them to enter waters that other birds cannot reach. Thanks to this they can feed.

Flamingos are social animals and it is common to observe them with other birds. They can usually be seen in the Yucatan peninsula, especially on Holbox Island, Lagartos River, Cesteun, Xcaret and Playa del Carmen.

2- Dantas

It is one of the largest mammals on the continent. Tapirs are known for their elongated, flexible upper lips that look like a shorter version of an elephant's trunk.

These animals have changed very little in the last 35 million years. Their bodies have barrel shapes and short, wide legs. Adult specimens have short dark-colored fur.

3- Iguanas

Iguanas can be found throughout the entire Riviera Maya as they like dry and rocky places. Mayan ruins are one of the favorite places to observe iguanas in this region.

These reptiles are very elusive and shy, so they usually run when they see humans.

4- Sea cows

These marine animals are found in the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the smallest cetaceans in the world and is believed to be the most endangered cetacean.

It is estimated that there are less than 60 specimens and it is almost impossible to find them in their natural habitat.

5- Diamond back turtle

This turtle has one of the largest ranges in North America.

They closely resemble freshwater turtles, but unlike freshwater turtles, they are adapted to survive in habitats near the coast, which have high salinity.

6- Vampire squid

This animal hasn't evolved much since it appeared on Earth about 300 million years ago. It lives at a depth of more than a mile in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

These squids have unique defense mechanisms, such as the ability to turn inside out. It also has bioluminous tentacles that look like eyes to scare off predators.

7- Ocelot

The ocelot is a large and elusive nocturnal cat. It is often mistaken for a small jaguar, as they bear a great resemblance. This animal was in danger of extinction, so its hunting is prohibited.

As for the coast, they can be found in the trees and wooded areas of Quintana Roo and Yucatán.

8- Tarantulas

There are currently 66 species of tarantulas in Mexico. These animals hunt at night and eat grasshoppers and other small insects.

It is common to observe tarantulas crossing the roads of the Yucatan peninsula and in the Mayan region.

9- Great White Shark

It is known as the fiercest predator in the ocean. When shoreline temperatures reach 60 degrees or lower, sharks come within 20 miles of shore.

This species has been federally protected since 2004.

10- Sea hares

It is an aquatic invertebrate that can measure up to 40 centimeters and weigh 13 kilos. When threatened they produce a dark purple fluid in defense.

Your eyes can only distinguish between what is light and what is not.

11- Red-legged hermit crab

It is common to find these crustaceans in places like Playa del Carmen and Xpu Ha beach.

The crabs are generally kept on the shores, near reefs and rocks, and never go to deeper waters.

12- Scorpions

Although scorpions are dangerous, they tend to live in hiding places and are not aggressive creatures.

The most common is to find them when it rains, since they usually leave their homes to dry off.

13- Breasts or flying

This fish travels through the deep waters of the ocean. This animal has a luminous characteristic that it uses to attract prey close enough without expending a lot of energy.

14- Pelicans

Pelicans can be found along the entire coast. The most common species in these areas of Mexico is the brown pelican.

It is one of the few pelicans that can dive into the water looking for food. When they emerge, the water drains from their beaks and they swallow their prey.

15- Spotted snake

These snakes are not poisonous and they move very fast, generally in the opposite direction of humans as they are not aggressive. They measure 76 to 102 centimeters.

They like to live in vegetated areas that are near the sea because their main food source is frogs.

16- Ghost crabs

They live near the beach and are active at night. Its name comes from its pale color; they can change color to match their environment, but they can only change slowly.

Although they live on land, they need to be moistened. For this reason they are buried in the wet sand or submerged in the water.

17- Jamaica Fruit Bats

They are larger than regular bats. They feed on fruits and spread their seeds in nature.

It is possible to observe them during the sunset flying over trees with fruits.

18- Central American Agouti

It is a rodent that enjoys wooded areas; They are quite nervous in front of people so they tend to run in the opposite direction when they perceive humans.

Their diet consists of fruits and nuts; they live in caves between the earth and the logs. They are common in the Riviera Maya.

19- Lionfish

They are invasive fish and opportunistic predators; they have no natural enemies. That is why scientists believe that this animal can negatively impact aquatic populations.

It has a very showy particular appearance and is poisonous.

20- Big-headed blondes

There are at least 12 species of blond fish off the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, but the big-headed one is the most common.

It is the only one that can be found both in coastal waters and in lakes and estuaries.

These fish use their fins to glide through the water, as well as use their pelvic fins to "walk" on the sea floor looking for worms and small shrimp to feed on.

References

1. 10 wildlife you probably didn't know existed in the gulf of mexico (2014). Recovered from blog.nwf.org
2. Baird's tapir. Recovered from arkive.org
3. Gallery of animals of the riviera maya. Recovered from everythingplayadelcarmen.com
4. Be hare. Recovered from montereybayaquarium.org
5. Pacific coast of mexico. Recovered from wikipedia.org
6. 11 awesome native animals you must see in mexico (2017). Recovered from theculturetrip.com
7. Fauna and flora in mexico (2015). Recovered from sunofmexico.com