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[[Image:Basilisk.gif|300px|thumb|right|'''Basilisk''' (Copyright © RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]

[[Image:Basilisk.gif|300px|thumb|right|''' ''Basiliscus basiliscus'' ''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

 

[[Image:Basiliscus_plumifrons.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''' ''Basiliscus plumifrons'' ''' <br> Adrian Pingstone 2003, WikiMedia Commons]]

Four known species of basilisks exist:

Four known species of basilisks exist:

*'''Green (Plumed)''' ''Basiliscus plumifrons''

*'''Green (Plumed)''' ''Basiliscus plumifrons''

==Description==

==Description==

Basilisks are tropical American iguanids. The males of these species grow to lengths of up to 90 cm, most of which is tail. Upon maturity, raised dorsal and caudal fins appear. Males tend to be highly territorial and keeping multiple males in small enclosures is inadvisable. Fighting will always occur if males are kept together and results in dominance over weaker males, which will not thrive under such stress. Males tend to exhibit head bobbing as both a threat gesture and a courtship behaviour to attract potential mates. Female basilisks are smaller comparatively and lack the ornamental fins of their male counterparts.

Basilisks are tropical American iguanids. The males of these species grow to lengths of up to 90 cm, most of which is tail. Upon maturity, raised dorsal and caudal fins appear. Males tend to be highly territorial and keeping multiple males in small enclosures is inadvisable. Fighting will always occur if males are kept together and results in dominance over weaker males, which will not thrive under such stress. Males tend to exhibit head bobbing as both a threat gesture and a courtship [[Lizard Behaviour|behaviour]] to attract potential mates. Female basilisks are smaller comparatively and lack the ornamental fins of their male counterparts.

These lizards are terrestrial, somewhat arboreal and prefer locations near water. Having specialised scales on the bottoms of the rear feet, basilisks are able to run across the surface of water for some distance before breaking the surface tension and swimming away hurriedly. They have been thus dubbed the "Jesus lizard" in parts of their native countries. In captivity, these lizards tend to maintain their somewhat skittish nature and do not make the best pets for those who wish to handle their pets frequently.

These lizards are terrestrial, somewhat arboreal and prefer locations near water. Having specialized scales on the bottoms of the rear feet, basilisks are able to run across the surface of water for some distance before breaking the surface tension and swimming away hurriedly. They have been thus dubbed the "Jesus lizard" in parts of their native countries. In captivity, these lizards tend to maintain their somewhat skittish nature and do not make the best pets for those who wish to handle their pets frequently.

===''Basiliscus plumifrons''===

===''Basiliscus plumifrons''===

===''Basiliscus vittatus''===

===''Basiliscus vittatus''===

Similar in size and shape to B. basiliscus. It differs in having keeled ventral scales, a more pointed head crest and a single lateral stripe on each flank (the dark dorsal bands of B.vittatus are broader compared to those of B.basiliscus).

Similar in size and shape to ''B. basiliscus''. It differs in having keeled ventral scales, a more pointed head crest and a single lateral stripe on each flank (the dark dorsal bands of ''B.vittatus'' are broader compared to those of ''B.basiliscus'').

==Range==

==Range==

They reach sexual maturity within 18-24 months. However, fighting among males may be observed as early as five months and males should be separated at this time. Hatchlings have high calcium requirements.

They reach sexual maturity within 18-24 months. However, fighting among males may be observed as early as five months and males should be separated at this time. Hatchlings have high calcium requirements.