The water anole, a small Central American lizard, may use a "scuba tank" bubble of air to respire when underwater. Found only in Costa Rica and a small section of Panama, the water anole is a "fascinating species" whose seemingly obscure talent is rooted in survival; diving and remaining underwater for a long time is a strategy to avoid predators.

'Anolis aquaticus' takes to the water as refuge from predators, swimming and often diving underwater for long periods of time. To enable these crazy-long dives, it’s possible that anoles may have come up with a scuba-tank method of sorts to “breathe” underwater.

It's possible that some air pockets are being trapped around the anole's head and throat, and that the inhalation and exhalation of the air bubble allow for some 'trading' of fresh air among these air pockets.

More Info: www.anoleannals.org