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Black Spiny-tailed Iguana
Ctenosaura similis
The fast-moving Central American spiny-tailed iguana demands a massive terrestrial enclosure (200x100x120 cm). Adults require an omnivorous diet shifting towards herbivory, high heat, and intense UVB lighting.
- Taxonomy
- Class:SquamataOrder:SquamataFamily:IguanidaeGenus:CtenosauraSpecies:Ctenosaura similis
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
50 - 70 %
Day temperature
30 - 38 °C
Night temperature
24 - 26 °C
Adult size
120 cm
UVB
High
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama, and introduced to Florida. It inhabits dry, hot habitats such as dry deciduous forests, rocky shores, beaches, and archeological ruins.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the family Iguanidae, genus Ctenosaura. It is the largest species within the genus. Genetically adapted for high-speed locomotion and defensive tail-whipping.
Behavior and Habits: Strictly diurnal, terrestrial, and occasionally semi-arboreal (especially juveniles). Recognized as the world's fastest running lizard (up to 34 km/h). Highly territorial and defensive when cornered.
Morphology: Adult males reach 120-130 cm (4-4.2 feet) in total length, while females are smaller, around 90 cm. Features a prominent dorsal crest and a tail ringed with sharp, spiny scales. Coloration is grey-black with dark bands.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Massive enclosures are required (minimum 200x100x120 cm / 6.5x3.3x4 feet for an adult). Provide large, secure rock arrangements, heavy climbing branches, and spacious hides. Substrate should be a soil and sand mix.
Lighting and Heating: Requires high heat and intense UV. Basking spot at 42-45°C (108-113°F), ambient daytime temperatures of 28-32°C (82-90°F), and night temperatures above 20°C (68°F). Intense UVB (10-12%) is mandatory.
Humidity and Hydration: Moderate to low humidity (45-55%). Mist occasionally to assist shedding. Provide a large, heavy water bowl for drinking and bathing.
Feeding and Supplementation: Omnivorous. Juveniles consume mostly insects (crickets, roaches), while adults shift to a primarily herbivorous diet (leafy greens, flowers, limited fruit). Dust food with calcium and D3 twice weekly.
Compatibility: Highly territorial. Adult males must never be housed together. Best kept individually or as a breeding pair in large enclosures.
Health and Common Diseases: Susceptible to injury from territorial fights. Prone to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) under insufficient UVB lighting. Spiny tails are fragile at the tip and can break if grabbed or whipped against hard objects.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Native to Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama, and introduced to Florida. It inhabits dry, hot habitats such as dry deciduous forests, rocky shores, beaches, and archeological ruins.
Origin
Cosmopolitan or introducedCentral America and CaribbeanNorth America
Reptile profile
- Diet
- Omnivore
- As an omnivore, this species requires a balanced diet of both animal protein and plant matter. Offer a mix of live gut-loaded insects alongside fresh leafy greens and vegetables. Regular supplementation with calcium and vitamins ensures optimal health and growth.
- Adult size
- 120 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 120 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 49 cm for this species, recorded as snout–vent length (SVL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- This species exhibits a semi-arboreal lifestyle, utilizing both the ground and lower vegetation. The enclosure should offer a balanced mix of horizontal floor space and vertical climbing opportunities. They will actively forage on the ground but seek safety and basking spots on branches.
- Activity cycle
- Diurnal
- This species is strictly diurnal, meaning it is highly active during the daylight hours. It requires intense full-spectrum UVB lighting and a proper basking spot to regulate its metabolism. During the night, it will retreat to a secure hide to sleep in complete darkness.
- Sociality
- Gregarious
- This reptile can exhibit defensive or aggressive behaviors, especially if it feels cornered or threatened. They have a strong protective instinct and may resort to biting or tail-whipping when stressed. Experienced keeping is required, as they demand respect and careful maintenance.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- This species reproduces by laying eggs, which require specific conditions to hatch successfully. Females will seek out a suitable nesting site with moist substrate to deposit their clutch. Eggs must be carefully removed and incubated at the correct temperature and humidity levels.
- Handling tolerance
- With caution
- Handling this species can be difficult due to its defensive temperament or sheer power. Only experienced keepers should attempt to handle them, utilizing proper techniques and safety equipment. For the most part, interaction should be limited to necessary maintenance and observation.
- Brumation
- Not required
- This tropical species does not undergo true brumation and requires consistent temperatures year-round. While they may show a slight decrease in activity during winter, their enclosure parameters should not be drastically altered. Heating and lighting must be maintained at standard levels to ensure their health.
- Molting
- Regular
- Like most lizards, this species sheds its skin in patches rather than in one continuous piece. Maintaining proper humidity levels and providing a humid hide are crucial to prevent stuck shed. Keepers should monitor the toes and tail tip closely to ensure all old skin is successfully removed.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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