Five species of marine turtle are present in the archipelago: the loggerhead (the most common species), green, hawksbill, leatherback, and Kemp's ridley turtle. None of these species are known to breed in the islands, so those seen in the water are usually migrating. However, it is believed that some of these species may have bred in the islands in the past, and there are records of several sightings of leatherback turtle on beaches in Fuerteventura, adding credibility to the theory.[citation needed]
Sea urchins
By far the most commonly seen invertebrate in Canary Island waters, the lime urchin is an important herbivore. Populations of these creatures have increased rapidly within recent years, primarily due to overfishing of their natural predators,[citation needed] such as starfish, triggerfish and Triton's trumpet. In areas with many of these creatures, the seabed can become completely stripped of algae. As a response to this "ecological emergency", widespread culling of sea urchins has been advocated in some areas.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are one of the few remaining locations with a substantial population of angelsharks. It is quite a common sight while snorkeling.
The basking shark, a harmless plankton feeder, visits the island in large groups during the winter, but is rarely seen.
The common smooth-hound comes close to shore in the late summer to breed, but is too small to be dangerous to humans.[6]
The hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena) is another fish eater, and is sometimes encountered while fishing.
Marine life, particularly cetaceans are one of the main attractions of Tenerife and the other islands, generating jobs and letting tourists enjoy the marvelous sea life of the area.
Martin, A.; Walker, F.J. (1997). "Sighting of a right whale (Eubalaenaglacialis) with calf off S.W. Portugal". Mar. Mammal Sci. 13 (1): 139–140. doi:10.1111/j.1748-7692.1997.tb00617.x.