| Other Common Names: | Giant Green Iguana, Common Green Iguana | |
| Scientific Name: | Iguana iguana | |
| Origin: | Central and South America | |
| Size: | Will Reach five to six feet in four to five years. There is no exception, the only way to stunt an iguana’s growth is to kill it. They will not grow to the size of their cage. Can weigh up to 18 pounds. | |
| Sexing: | Generally, adult males will have a large dewlap and a larger crest than females. Other ways of sexing requires good knowledge of reptile anatomy and can be found in any good book. | |
| Temperament: | Will become very tame if you spend some time with them. They recognize their owner and may even learn to come when called. They can be walked on leashes and allowed to wander around the house if you keep an eye on them. Keep males separate and do no try to keep other reptiles with iguanas. | |
| Life Span: | 20 + years. They will only live a couple years if not given proper space, heating, and food. | |
| Habitat: | Tank: Must have at least a 40 gallon to start out with, but an iguana will out grow this. Adult iguanas will need a huge enclosure which may be made of glass, wire, and wood. Please read up about housing your iguana.
Substrate: Particle substrates (bark, gravel, sand) are not appropriate for iguanas because they like to swallow everything and anything. Use reptile carpet. Clean the carpet frequently. Heating: Temperature during the day should be in the mid 80s with basking areas up to 90 degrees. At night, the temp may drop to 75 degrees. Use a basking light during the day and keep a ceramic heater on 24 hours a day. Do not use heat rocks, but under tank heating pads may be used. Lighting: Use a fluorescent UVB light at least 12 hours a day. Allow 12 hours of darkness. Other: Iguanas are arboreal (live in trees) so provide branches for them to climb on. Also provide hiding places. Live plants can be kept with iguanas, but be certain they are safe for the iguana may just eat it. Iguana care is by no means simple, so it would be best to gather as much literature on them as possible and read about them before you buy one. |
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| Food And Water: | DO NOT feed iguanas animal protien. Even in very small amouts, this can cause problems for iguanas. That means no cricket, mealworms, mice, fish, or any other meat, eggs, or dairy products. Iguanas are strictly vegetarian. Feeding is rather complicated, so please refer to the caresheet "feeding iguanas." Provide a large dish of water for the iguanas to drink from, but be certain they can climb out. |
