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Gold Tegu
Tupinambis teguixin
A large, robust South American lizard with striking black and gold coloration. It requires huge enclosures, strict humidity parameters, and careful handling due to its defensive and easily agitated nature.
- Taxonomy
- Class:SquamataOrder:SquamataFamily:TeiidaeSubfamily:TupinambinaeGenus:TupinambisSpecies:Tupinambis teguixin
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
75 - 95 %
Day temperature
28 - 32 °C
Ambient temperature
28 °C
Night temperature
22 °C
Basking spot
40 - 45 °C
Adult size
100 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 1,500 L
UVB
High
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widely distributed throughout the tropical forests, swamps, and savannas of northern and central South America, including the Amazon Basin. It is predominantly terrestrial but capable of swimming and climbing.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A member of the family Teiidae and the genus Tupinambis. Genetically adapted for an opportunistic omnivorous lifestyle in tropical habitats, exhibiting distinct evolutionary lineages from Salvator tegus.
Behavior and Habits: Diurnal and terrestrial with strong burrowing instincts. Known for a defensive temperament, making it more challenging to socialize than Argentine tegus. It communicates with tail-whipping and heavy hissing when cornered.
Morphology: A massive lizard reaching lengths of 100-120 cm. Features glossy scales arranged in alternating black and golden-yellow bands. It possesses powerful jaws, a thick neck, and a long, muscular tail.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires an exceptionally large enclosure, such as a dedicated room or custom build of at least 240x120x120 cm. Provide a deep (30 cm) substrate of cypress mulch, soil, and peat to support digging, along with heavy logs and a large water tub.
Lighting and Heating: Provide a hot basking spot of 40-45°C (104-113°F) using multiple halogen bulbs. Ambient temperatures should range from 28-32°C (82-90°F) with a night drop to 22°C (72°F). High-output 10-12% UVB lighting is essential.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels (70-80%). Frequent misting is required alongside a large water basin where the tegu can fully submerge to assist with hydration and shedding.
Feeding and Supplementation: Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet including large insects, snails, fish, rodents, chicks, and occasionally soft fruits or vegetables. Dust food with calcium and D3 twice a week, and multivitamins weekly.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary and territorial. Due to their size, power, and potential for defensive aggression, they must be housed individually and handled with extreme caution.
Health and Common Diseases: At risk of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) if UV and calcium levels are inadequate. Obesity is common due to overfeeding, and respiratory issues can occur if the enclosure is kept too dry or cold.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Widely distributed throughout the tropical forests, swamps, and savannas of northern and central South America, including the Amazon Basin. It is predominantly terrestrial but capable of swimming and climbing.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsAmazon, Orinoco, and Guianas
Reptile profile
- Diet
- Carnivore
- This species is largely carnivorous and thrives on a diet of insects, small rodents, and other protein sources. Prey items must be appropriately sized and offered on a regular feeding schedule. Ensure that all meals are supplemented with necessary vitamins and calcium for bone health.
- Adult size
- 100 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 100 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 50 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 leads a terrestrial lifestyle, spending the vast majority of its time on the ground. Its enclosure should prioritize floor space over height, featuring a deep substrate for digging. Providing various ground-level hides and rocks will encourage natural foraging behaviors.
- 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
- Solitary
- 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
- Expert only
- 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
- 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
- Periodic
- 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.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
