Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura quinquecarinata) Care Sheet
The Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura quinquecarinata), also known as the Oaxacan Spiny-Tailed Iguana and sometimes sold as the Club-Tailed Iguana, is a comparatively small but highly active member of the genus Ctenosaura.
Unlike the much larger Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis), this species remains considerably more compact, but it still requires spacious housing, strong UVB, intense daytime lighting, high basking temperatures, deep substrate, secure retreats and substantial opportunity to climb and explore.
The accepted species is currently distributed through parts of southern Mexico and Central America. The Reptile Database lists populations in southern Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, north-western Costa Rica and Honduras, with Ctenosaura praeocularis now treated as a synonym of C. quinquecarinata.
The species is oviparous and belongs to the family Iguanidae.
Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguanas are typically associated with seasonally dry habitats containing:
- Trees
- Hollow trunks
- Rock crevices
- Dry scrub
- Forest edge
- Burrows
- Fallen timber
They are powerful climbers and regularly retreat into narrow cavities when threatened.
The species has also been subject to substantial historical international trade. CITES/TRAFFIC analysis before the listing of Ctenosaura under Appendix II described substantial exports of C. quinquecarinata and severe fragmentation of remaining wild populations.
For this reason:
documented captive-bred animals should be strongly preferred.
Quick facts
Scientific name: Ctenosaura quinquecarinata
Common names: Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguana, Oaxacan Spiny-Tailed Iguana, Club-Tailed Iguana
Family: Iguanidae
Lifestyle: Terrestrial, scansorial and cavity-dwelling
Activity: Diurnal
Adult size: Commonly approximately 45–60 cm (18–24 in) total length, with males generally larger and heavier than females
Diet: Omnivorous when young, becoming increasingly plant-based with maturity
Day ambient temperature: Approximately 27–30°C (81–86°F)
Basking surface: Approximately 38–43°C (100–110°F)
Cool area: Approximately 24–27°C (75–81°F)
Night temperature: Approximately 20–24°C (68–75°F)
General humidity: Approximately 40–60%, with locally more humid retreats
UVB: Essential for high-quality long-term husbandry
Suggested basking UVI: Approximately 4–6, with shade and retreats approaching zero
Adult enclosure: At least approximately 150 × 60 × 90 cm (5 × 2 × 3 ft) for one adult; 180 × 90 × 120 cm (6 × 3 × 4 ft) or larger strongly preferred
Housing: Individual housing safest
Reproduction: Egg-laying
Handling: Minimal to moderate depending on temperament; trust-building preferable to forced handling
International trade: Ctenosaura spp. are CITES Appendix II
Experience level: Intermediate
Taxonomy
The accepted scientific name is:
Ctenosaura quinquecarinata
It belongs to:
Family: Iguanidae
Genus: Ctenosaura
The Reptile Database currently recognises C. quinquecarinata as a valid species and lists no subspecies.
Ctenosaura praeocularis
Animals from Honduras were formerly described as:
Ctenosaura praeocularis**.**
Current taxonomy places that name in synonymy with:
Ctenosaura quinquecarinata**.**
Older husbandry literature and trade records may therefore use both names.
Common-name caution
The name:
Club-Tailed Iguana
has sometimes been used inconsistently in the reptile trade.
For accurate records, always retain the scientific name:
Ctenosaura quinquecarinata**.**
Natural distribution
The current recognised distribution includes parts of:
- Southern Mexico
- Nicaragua
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- North-western Costa Rica
The Reptile Database specifically lists Nicaragua records from areas including Chontales, Matagalpa, Jinotega, Boaco, Managua and Granada, and Costa Rican records from Guanacaste.
Natural habitat
Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguanas primarily occupy:
warm, seasonally dry habitats.
These may include:
- Tropical dry forest
- Thorn scrub
- Rocky terrain
- Woodland
- Forest edge
- Agricultural margins
- Human-modified habitat
Habitat structure
The species strongly depends upon:
- Hollow trees
- Rock cracks
- Logs
- Burrows
- Dense woody vegetation
for shelter.
Captive housing should reproduce this abundance of:
tight, secure refuges.
Cavity use
Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguanas are particularly adept at retreating into narrow cavities.
When threatened, they may wedge themselves tightly into:
- Hollow branches
- Crevices
- Cork tubes
Their heavily armoured tail can remain positioned toward the entrance.
Tail morphology
The tail carries prominent rings of large, sharply keeled scales.
The species name:
quinquecarinata
refers to the strongly keeled appearance of the caudal scalation.
Defensive behaviour
When threatened, an animal may:
- Run rapidly
- Retreat into a cavity
- Inflate the body
- Bite
- Scratch
- Strike with the tail
Temperament
Temperament varies considerably.
Some captive-bred individuals become calm and readily associate people with food.
Others remain:
- Fast
- Nervous
- Defensive
- Reluctant to be touched
Observation rather than forced handling
A calm animal may tolerate limited handling, but the husbandry goal should be:
confidence around the keeper rather than forced physical restraint.
Enclosure size
Although smaller than Ctenosaura similis, this is still a highly active iguana.
For one adult, provide at least approximately:
150 × 60 × 90 cm (5 × 2 × 3 ft).
Preferred enclosure
For excellent long-term husbandry:
180 × 90 × 120 cm (6 × 3 × 4 ft)
or larger is strongly preferred.
Why larger is better
Additional space allows:
- More climbing
- Better thermal gradients
- More basking choices
- Deeper substrate
- More secure retreats
- Better exercise
Enclosure orientation
Provide substantial:
length, depth and climbing height.
This is not simply a ground-dwelling lizard.
Escape security
These iguanas can enter surprisingly small gaps.
Secure:
- Doors
- Vents
- Cable openings
- Background edges
Structural strength
Décor should withstand:
- Digging
- Climbing
- Repeated jumping
without collapsing.
Climbing structure
Provide numerous:
- Thick branches
- Cork tubes
- Trunks
- Shelves
- Rock ledges
Hollow logs
Hollow structures are especially valuable.
Suitable retreats include:
- Cork tubes
- Artificial hollow logs
- Secure wooden cavities
Multiple retreats
Provide at least:
- Warm hide
- Cool hide
- Elevated hide
- Ground-level retreat
Basking platform
The main basking area should be large enough to warm:
the entire body simultaneously.
Broad basking heat
Several overlapping low-to-medium wattage halogen flood lamps are generally preferable to one intense narrow beam.
Substrate
Use a naturalistic, diggable substrate.
Suitable mixtures include:
- Organic topsoil
- Washed play sand
- Clay-rich soil
- Leaf litter
Substrate depth
Provide at least:
10–15 cm (4–6 in)
across much of the enclosure.
Deeper sections
Areas around:
20–30 cm (8–12 in)
are strongly beneficial for:
- Burrowing
- Moisture gradients
- Females
- Natural behaviour
Female nesting depth
Adult females should have access to at least:
25–40 cm (10–16 in)
of suitable nesting substrate.
Larger nest boxes can be even better.
Nest substrate
A nesting mixture should be:
- Diggable
- Slightly moist
- Able to hold a tunnel
- Not waterlogged
A soil/sand blend works well.
Temperature
This species requires intense local basking combined with cooler retreats.
Day ambient temperature
Maintain most of the enclosure around:
27–30°C (81–86°F).
Warm zone
The upper warm side may reach approximately:
30–32°C (86–90°F).
Basking surface
Provide a broad basking area around:
38–43°C (100–110°F).
Cool area
Maintain a substantial cooler zone around:
24–27°C (75–81°F).
Why a gradient matters
The animal should be able to choose between:
- Hot exposed basking
- Warm climbing areas
- Moderate shade
- Cool hides
- Cooler substrate
Do not heat the whole enclosure excessively
A basking surface of 40°C does not mean the entire enclosure should be:
40°C.
Night temperature
Allow nighttime temperatures to fall toward approximately:
20–24°C (68–75°F).
Seasonal variation
Wild animals experience seasonal changes in:
- Temperature
- Rainfall
- Day length
- Food availability
Moderate seasonal variation is therefore appropriate.
Heating
Use primarily:
overhead heat.
Halogen flood lamps are particularly suitable for daylight basking.
Heat mats
Heat mats should not be relied upon as the primary heat source.
The natural pattern is:
heat from above with cooler retreat below.
Thermostat
Use thermostatic control or suitable safety regulation on all significant heat sources.
Temperature monitoring
Use:
- Digital warm-side thermometer
- Digital cool-side thermometer
- Infrared surface thermometer
Lighting
Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguanas are:
bright-light, diurnal reptiles.
A dim enclosure is inappropriate.
Visible lighting
Provide strong visible-spectrum lighting in addition to UVB.
Large LED or daylight systems can be useful.
Photoperiod
Approximately:
12 hours light / 12 hours dark
is suitable for much of the year.
Seasonal adjustments can be made gradually.
Night lighting
Provide:
complete darkness at night.
Avoid permanently illuminated coloured bulbs.
UVB
Appropriate UVB is essential.
This species naturally basks under powerful tropical and subtropical sunlight.
Suggested UV Index
Provide approximately:
UVI 4–6
across the principal basking position.
UV gradient
Also provide:
- UVI 2–3 in partially exposed areas
- UVI below 1 beneath cover
- Secure retreats close to UVI 0
UVB must be optional
The animal must be able to move away from ultraviolet exposure.
UVB lamp
A quality:
linear T5 UVB system
is normally most appropriate.
UVB percentage is not enough
Actual exposure depends upon:
- Lamp model
- Reflector
- Mesh
- Distance
- Basking height
UV meter
An appropriate UV meter is strongly recommended.
It removes much of the guesswork involved in setting lamp distance.
Humidity
Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguanas should not be housed like rainforest iguanas.
General humidity
A useful general range is approximately:
40–60%.
Local humid retreats
Provide somewhat higher humidity inside:
- Deep substrate
- Burrows
- Cork tubes
- Nest boxes
Night humidity
Humidity may naturally increase overnight as temperatures fall.
Misting
Light misting approximately:
several times per week
is sufficient in many enclosures.
Frequency depends on:
- Ventilation
- Room humidity
- Season
Avoid constant wetness
Do not keep all substrate and enclosure surfaces:
continuously wet.
Ventilation
Good airflow is essential.
Water
Provide fresh drinking water at all times.
A heavy bowl large enough for partial soaking is useful.
Water hygiene
Replace water whenever contaminated.
Spiny-tailed iguanas may:
- Defecate in bowls
- Drag soil into water
Diet
Like other Ctenosaura, this species undergoes an age-related dietary shift.
Juveniles
Young animals consume substantial amounts of:
animal prey.
Suitable foods include:
- Crickets
- Locusts
- Roaches
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Silkworms
- Other appropriate invertebrates
Plant foods from an early age
Juveniles should also be offered:
- Leafy greens
- Flowers
- Vegetables
from the beginning.
This encourages the normal transition toward a more plant-based adult diet.
Adults
Adults should receive a diet that is:
predominantly plant-based.
Animal prey can remain an occasional component.
Leafy staples
Useful foods include:
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Turnip greens
- Dandelion greens
- Endive
- Escarole
- Chicory
- Rocket/arugula
- Mulberry leaves
- Hibiscus leaves
Flowers
Suitable pesticide-free flowers include:
- Hibiscus
- Nasturtium
- Dandelion
- Rose petals
- Squash flowers
Vegetables
Useful additions include:
- Squash
- Courgette/zucchini
- Bell pepper
- Green beans
- Okra
- Parsnip
Fruit
Fruit should form only a:
small proportion of the diet.
Possible options include:
- Papaya
- Mango
- Berries
- Fig
- Melon
Why fruit should remain limited
A fruit-heavy diet can provide excessive:
- Sugar
- Calories
while reducing the proportion of:
- Fibre
- Calcium-rich foliage
Adult animal protein
Adults may opportunistically consume animal material.
However, routine heavy feeding of:
- Rodents
- Meat
- Eggs
is unnecessary.
Invertebrates for adults
Appropriate adults may receive insects:
occasionally
for variety.
Rodents
Rodents should not be used as:
routine staple food.
Dog and cat food
Dog food and cat food are inappropriate as routine staples.
Gut loading
All feeder insects should be:
properly gut loaded.
Calcium
Use an appropriate calcium supplement.
Multivitamin
Provide an appropriate reptile multivitamin on a sensible schedule.
Vitamin D3
D3 supplementation should be adjusted according to actual UVB exposure.
Avoid chronic excessive supplementation.
Juvenile feeding frequency
Growing juveniles can generally receive food:
daily.
Adult feeding frequency
Offer fresh vegetation:
daily or most days.
Monitor overall quantity according to body condition.
Body condition
Adult animals should remain:
- Muscular
- Active
- Lean
rather than excessively heavy.
Feeding enrichment
Useful enrichment includes:
- Browse branches
- Scattered edible flowers
- Hanging leafy vegetation
- Multiple feeding locations
- Controlled insect hunting
Handling
Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguanas are often extremely quick.
Forced handling should therefore be minimised.
Acclimatisation
Build trust through:
- Predictable routines
- Food rewards
- Calm enclosure maintenance
- Target training
Target training
Target training can greatly simplify:
- Transfers
- Weighing
- Veterinary preparation
- Enclosure maintenance
Necessary handling
When physical handling is required:
- Secure the room
- Approach calmly
- Support the entire body
- Control the hindquarters gently
- Avoid squeezing
- Keep the animal close to a safe surface
Tail
Do not lift or restrain the animal by its tail.
Tail strikes
A defensive adult may strike with the heavily spined tail.
Keep:
- Face
- Eyes
away from tail range.
Biting
A bite from an adult can break the skin.
Avoid escalating defensive behaviour through unnecessary restraint.
Social housing
Individual housing is the:
safest default.
Adult males
Adult males can be territorial.
Do not routinely house multiple males together.
Male and female housing
A male may repeatedly:
- Pursue
- Court
- Mate with
a female.
Permanent pair housing may create chronic reproductive stress.
Females together
Some females may coexist in exceptionally spacious housing, but compatibility cannot be assumed.
Signs of social stress
Watch for:
- Chasing
- Biting
- Tail strikes
- Persistent hiding
- Reduced feeding
- Weight loss
- Exclusion from basking
Separate animals where necessary.
Sexing
Adult males generally develop:
- Larger heads
- Heavier bodies
- More prominent femoral pores
- More muscular tail bases
Females are typically smaller and less robust.
Juvenile sexing
Sex determination can be difficult in young animals.
Do not rely solely on:
- Colour
- General size
Reproduction
Ctenosaura quinquecarinata is:
oviparous — egg-laying.
Breeding season
Reproduction is naturally influenced by:
- Seasonal rainfall
- Temperature
- Photoperiod
A modest dry/wet seasonal cycle can help encourage normal reproductive behaviour.
Breeding condition
Only breed animals that are:
- Fully mature
- Healthy
- Well hydrated
- In strong body condition
Females must have:
- Correct calcium status
- High-quality UVB
- Suitable nesting substrate
Courtship
Males may use:
- Head bobbing
- Postural displays
- Pursuit
during courtship.
Gravid female behaviour
Females approaching laying may:
- Become restless
- Dig repeatedly
- Reduce appetite
- Spend more time exploring the ground
Nesting area
Provide at least:
25–40 cm (10–16 in)
of diggable substrate.
Nest security
The laying site should be:
- Private
- Warm
- Slightly moist
- Structurally stable
Clutch size
Published species-specific reproductive data are comparatively limited.
Captive and natural-history accounts suggest relatively modest clutches compared with the very large Ctenosaura similis.
A practical expectation is approximately:
5–15 eggs,
with variation depending on:
- Female size
- Age
- Condition
- Locality
Do not treat this as an absolute range.
Egg handling
If eggs are artificially incubated:
- Handle gently
- Do not rotate unnecessarily
- Maintain orientation
- Prevent dehydration
- Avoid direct contact with free water
Incubation medium
Suitable media include:
- Vermiculite
- Perlite
maintained:
moist rather than saturated.
Incubation temperature
A conservative working range is approximately:
28–30°C (82–86°F).
Incubation duration
Expect approximately:
70–100 days
under typical captive temperatures.
Development may be longer or shorter depending upon incubation temperature and individual clutch characteristics.
Avoid excessive incubation heat
Do not raise temperatures simply to produce faster hatching.
Hatchling housing
Hatchlings should normally be housed separately from adults.
Provide:
- Secure enclosure
- Fine branches
- Cork hides
- Diggable substrate
- UVB
- Broad basking
- Fresh water
Hatchling temperature
Maintain general daytime temperatures around:
27–30°C (81–86°F).
Hatchling basking
Provide a basking surface around:
35–40°C (95–104°F).
Hatchling cool area
Maintain approximately:
24–27°C (75–81°F).
Hatchling night temperature
Allow temperatures to fall toward:
21–24°C (70–75°F).
Hatchling humidity
Maintain approximately:
45–65%
with more humid microhabitats.
Hatchling UVB
Provide approximately:
UVI 3–4
at accessible basking locations, with extensive shade.
Hatchling diet
Young animals should receive:
- Small roach nymphs
- Small crickets
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Silkworms
- Other small feeders
alongside finely chopped:
- Greens
- Flowers
- Vegetables
Hatchling feeding
Offer food:
daily.
Encourage plant feeding
Do not wait until adulthood before introducing vegetation.
Plant foods should be available:
from the beginning.
Hatchling supplementation
Provide:
- Proper gut loading
- Calcium
- Appropriate multivitamin
- Correct UVB
Quarantine
All newly acquired animals should undergo quarantine.
At least:
90 days
is a sensible general minimum.
Wild-caught animals
Because this species has historically been exported in considerable numbers, origin should be established carefully.
CITES/TRAFFIC analysis documented thousands of C. quinquecarinata entering international trade historically, including both wild-sourced and captive-bred animals.
Captive-bred animals with clear provenance are strongly preferred.
Parasites
Animals of wild or uncertain origin may carry:
- Internal parasites
- Mites
- Ticks
Veterinary faecal screening is strongly recommended.
Common health concerns
Potential problems include:
- Metabolic bone disease
- Nutritional imbalance
- Obesity
- Dehydration
- Burns
- Parasites
- Rostral injuries
- Respiratory disease
- Reproductive problems
- Trauma from falls or enclosure aggression
Metabolic bone disease
Signs may include:
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Soft jaw
- Limb deformity
- Spinal deformity
- Fractures
MBD prevention
Provide:
- Appropriate UVB
- Correct calcium
- Proper diet
- Correct basking temperatures
Nutritional imbalance
Mature animals should not remain permanently on the insect-heavy diet appropriate for juveniles.
Adult diets should become:
predominantly plant-based.
Obesity
Potential causes include:
- Excessive fruit
- Too much animal protein
- Fatty feeder insects
- Insufficient exercise
Burns
Prevent access to:
- Bare bulbs
- Ceramic heaters
- Hot fittings
Measure actual basking surface temperature.
Respiratory disease
Possible signs include:
- Wheezing
- Clicking
- Nasal discharge
- Open-mouth breathing away from basking
- Increased respiratory effort
Rostral injury
Persistent rubbing against:
- Glass
- Doors
- Mesh
can cause facial wounds.
Review:
- Enclosure size
- Visual barriers
- Territorial triggers
Reproductive complications
Females may experience:
- Calcium depletion
- Follicular disease
- Egg retention
- Dystocia
Possible dystocia
Warning signs include:
- Repeated unsuccessful digging
- Persistent straining
- Weakness
- Severe lethargy
- Abdominal enlargement that does not resolve
Seek veterinary assessment promptly.
Veterinary red flags
Consult a suitably experienced reptile veterinarian for:
- Persistent anorexia
- Significant weight loss
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Major wounds
- Burns
- Abnormal breathing
- Persistent abnormal faeces
- Prolapse
- Suspected reproductive problems
Enrichment
Useful enrichment includes:
- Multiple hollow logs
- Branch rearrangement
- Digging areas
- Browse feeding
- Target training
- Scattered food
- Different basking levels
Outdoor housing
In suitable weather, secure outdoor housing can provide:
- Natural sunlight
- Space
- Seasonal variation
- Enrichment
Outdoor security
An outdoor enclosure must be:
- Escape-proof
- Predator-proof
- Dig-resistant
- Climb-resistant
Natural sunlight
Unfiltered sunlight provides excellent:
UVB and visible light.
Glass blocks most biologically useful UVB.
Outdoor shade
Always provide:
- Deep shade
- Cool retreats
- Fresh water
Outdoor enclosures can overheat rapidly.
Bioactive housing
Naturalistic soil-based enclosures can work very well.
A bioactive substrate can support:
- Digging
- Moisture gradients
- Naturalistic behaviour
Clean-up crew
Suitable clean-up crews may include:
- Springtails
- Appropriate drought-tolerant isopods
depending on substrate moisture.
Bioactive is not maintenance-free
Continue to remove:
- Faeces
- Spoiled food
- Dead feeders
- Excessive mould
Cleaning
Spot-clean regularly.
Fresh vegetable matter should not be left to rot under hot lighting.
Water hygiene
Clean and refill drinking bowls whenever contaminated.
Conservation
Ctenosaura quinquecarinata has a substantially smaller and more fragmented distribution than the common Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana.
A CITES/TRAFFIC review cited estimates of:
- Extent of occurrence below 5,000 km²
- Area of occupancy below 500 km²
- Fewer than approximately 2,500 mature animals
in severely fragmented populations, although such historical estimates should not be interpreted as a current census.
Threats
Documented threats include:
- Habitat destruction
- Habitat degradation
- Fragmentation
- Wildlife trade
- Local persecution
CITES analysis also noted reports that the species has been killed because of mistaken beliefs that it is poisonous.
CITES
The genus:
Ctenosaura
is listed under:
CITES Appendix II.
International trade is therefore regulated.
What Appendix II means
Appendix II controls international trade to ensure that exploitation does not threaten wild populations.
Requirements can include:
- Export permits
- Import documentation
- Proof of legal origin
depending on jurisdiction and transaction.
Documentation
Retain:
- Purchase receipts
- Breeder details
- CITES paperwork
- Import/export permits
- Hatch records
- Locality records
Captive-bred preference
Captive-bred animals should be strongly preferred.
This is especially important for a relatively range-restricted species that has historically experienced substantial international trade.
Never release captive animals
Never release a captive Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguana.
Release could:
- Spread disease
- Introduce non-native genetics
- Establish invasive populations
- Violate wildlife legislation
Common husbandry mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Assuming a smaller iguana requires only a small enclosure
- Providing insufficient climbing space
- Providing no hollow retreats
- Using shallow substrate
- Providing females with inadequate nesting depth
- Keeping the enclosure dim
- Providing weak or absent UVB
- Using UVB percentages without considering actual UVI
- Providing a tiny concentrated basking spot
- Maintaining the whole enclosure excessively hot
- Providing no cool retreat
- Keeping the enclosure constantly wet
- Providing poor ventilation
- Feeding adults like insectivores
- Feeding excessive fruit
- Routine rodent feeding
- Inadequate plant variety
- Poor calcium supplementation
- Excessive handling
- Grabbing or chasing nervous animals
- Housing adult males together
- Ignoring reproductive depletion
- Failing to quarantine
- Purchasing undocumented animals
- Losing CITES paperwork
- Releasing unwanted animals
Responsible ownership
Before obtaining a Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguana, ensure you can provide:
- A large secure enclosure
- At least approximately 150 × 60 × 90 cm (5 × 2 × 3 ft)
- Preferably 180 × 90 × 120 cm (6 × 3 × 4 ft) or larger
- Extensive climbing structure
- Hollow retreats
- Deep soil-based substrate
- Suitable nesting depth for females
- Bright visible lighting
- Strong appropriate UVB
- UVI around 4–6 at exposed basking positions
- Broad basking surfaces around 38–43°C (100–110°F)
- A genuine cooler retreat
- Moderate humidity with good ventilation
- Fresh water
- An age-appropriate diet
- Predominantly plant-based adult feeding
- Correct supplementation
- Trust-based handling
- Individual housing when necessary
- Quarantine facilities
- Experienced reptile veterinary care
- Complete legal documentation
- Long-term commitment
Summary
The Five-Keeled Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura quinquecarinata) is a relatively small but extremely active spiny-tailed iguana from southern Mexico and parts of Central America.
The accepted species includes populations formerly described as:
Ctenosaura praeocularis**.**
Adults commonly reach approximately:
45–60 cm (18–24 in) total length.
For one adult, provide at least approximately:
150 × 60 × 90 cm (5 × 2 × 3 ft),
with:
180 × 90 × 120 cm (6 × 3 × 4 ft)
or larger strongly preferred.
Provide:
- Numerous thick branches
- Hollow logs and cork tubes
- Deep substrate
- Secure warm and cool retreats
- Deep nesting substrate for mature females
Maintain daytime temperatures around:
27–30°C (81–86°F)
with a broad basking surface around:
38–43°C (100–110°F).
Provide cooler areas around:
24–27°C (75–81°F)
and allow nights to fall toward:
20–24°C (68–75°F).
Maintain general humidity around:
40–60%
with locally more humid retreats.
Provide strong UVB with approximately:
UVI 4–6
at the principal basking position and extensive shade.
Juveniles should receive substantial live invertebrate prey alongside vegetation.
As animals mature, the diet should become:
predominantly plant-based,
with leafy greens, flowers and vegetables forming the foundation.
The species is:
egg-laying.
Because published reproductive data are less extensive than for some larger Ctenosaura, a practical captive expectation is around:
5–15 eggs per clutch
with approximately:
70–100 days of incubation
around 28–30°C (82–86°F), allowing for individual variation.
Ctenosaura quinquecarinata has a restricted, fragmented wild distribution and has historically been involved in substantial international trade.
The genus Ctenosaura is regulated under:
CITES Appendix II.
Legally documented captive-bred animals should therefore be strongly preferred.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, collection, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of reptiles in your jurisdiction.
If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or reptile veterinarian.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026