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Created page with '{{unfinished}} Scientific name: ''Ctenosaura'' spp. (10 spp.) (e.g. ''C. pectinata'' & ''C. similis'') ==Description== Spiny-tailed iguanas are large, bulky lizards with adult…'
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Scientific name: ''Ctenosaura'' spp. (10 spp.) (e.g. ''C. pectinata'' & ''C. similis'')
==Description==
Spiny-tailed iguanas are large, bulky lizards with adult males reaching up to 1.1m in length. They are predominantly black but the dorsal surface may show black bands on a greyish background. The colour may also lighten after basking with yellowish and orange markings becoming evident along the sides. Adult males have well-developed dorsal crests and dewlaps. Females lack obvious crests. There is considerable variation with age and sex and therefore identification may be difficult. Both species may have a keeled tail. Juveniles tend to be olive-green becoming tan and then finally greyish as they grow. These are aggressive lizards and will frequently charge and bite a perceived attacker; they have a formidable bite!
These lizards are fairly demanding in terms of diet, husbandry and disposition and are therefore not recommended for the novice reptile keepers.
==Range==
C. pectinata - Mexico; C. similis - Central America and Mexico
==Diet==
Ctenosaurs should be offered a wide variety of foods. They require both animal and plant derived protein. Plant matter should consist of the typical iguana diet (see the green iguana document for details). In addition a large proportion of the diet must include invertebrates (especially insects), small mammals, eggs and chopped meat. Supplementation is essential.
==Enclosure==
These lizards require large vivariums, surfaces to climb and plenty of cover. They are territorial so avoid overcrowding. There should be no more than one male per enclosure.
==Temperature==
The daytime temperature on the cooler end of the cage should stay at about 30ºC, and the warm side of the cage should be 35ºC, with a spot directly beneath the basking lamp of up to 40ºC. At night the temperature can drop to 25ºC.
Scientific name: ''Ctenosaura'' spp. (10 spp.) (e.g. ''C. pectinata'' & ''C. similis'')
==Description==
Spiny-tailed iguanas are large, bulky lizards with adult males reaching up to 1.1m in length. They are predominantly black but the dorsal surface may show black bands on a greyish background. The colour may also lighten after basking with yellowish and orange markings becoming evident along the sides. Adult males have well-developed dorsal crests and dewlaps. Females lack obvious crests. There is considerable variation with age and sex and therefore identification may be difficult. Both species may have a keeled tail. Juveniles tend to be olive-green becoming tan and then finally greyish as they grow. These are aggressive lizards and will frequently charge and bite a perceived attacker; they have a formidable bite!
These lizards are fairly demanding in terms of diet, husbandry and disposition and are therefore not recommended for the novice reptile keepers.
==Range==
C. pectinata - Mexico; C. similis - Central America and Mexico
==Diet==
Ctenosaurs should be offered a wide variety of foods. They require both animal and plant derived protein. Plant matter should consist of the typical iguana diet (see the green iguana document for details). In addition a large proportion of the diet must include invertebrates (especially insects), small mammals, eggs and chopped meat. Supplementation is essential.
==Enclosure==
These lizards require large vivariums, surfaces to climb and plenty of cover. They are territorial so avoid overcrowding. There should be no more than one male per enclosure.
==Temperature==
The daytime temperature on the cooler end of the cage should stay at about 30ºC, and the warm side of the cage should be 35ºC, with a spot directly beneath the basking lamp of up to 40ºC. At night the temperature can drop to 25ºC.