Ahl's anole (Anolis ahli)

Short answers

Ahl's anole: How big does the enclosure need to be?

50×50×80 cm for a pair — what matters is structure: branches, vertical surfaces and dense foliage. Whether a species needs more height or more floor area depends on which forest layer it lives in — anoles range from the canopy down to the leaf litter on the ground.

Ahl's anole: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 19–22 °C.

Ahl's anole: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).

Ahl's anole: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 4–8 years.

Ahl's anole: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

19–22 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 32–35 °C

Humidity

65–85 %, mist in the morning

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

50×50×80 cm for a pair — what matters is structure: branches, vertical surfaces and dense foliage. Whether a species needs more height or more floor area depends on which forest layer it lives in — anoles range from the canopy down to the leaf litter on the ground

Substrate

Forest-floor substrate with live plants, plus thin branches and bamboo at all heights

Feeding

Food

Small live insects: fruit flies, seed beetles, young house crickets and field crickets, small roaches, woodlice, flies and firebrats. Feeder insects at most as wide as the head, wax moth larvae only as an occasional treat. Dust regularly with calcium and vitamins, offer females additional calcium during the egg-laying period.

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

12–15 cm total length including tail; snout–vent length 4.8–5.5 cm, males about ten percent larger than females

Life expectancy

4–8 years

Origin

Central Cuba: forests of the Sierra de Trinidad (Escambray, Macizo de Guamuhaya) in Sancti Spíritus province; listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

No winter rest; somewhat cooler in winter with a shorter photoperiod

Cohabitation

Pairs (1.1) are the safest option; never keep males together, as they fight until serious injuries occur. One male with two or three females is possible, but females also defend small territories, and a subordinate female often eats less and hides. This only works in a clearly larger, densely structured enclosure and with a spare enclosure ready.

Notes

A montane forest species from the Sierra Maestra.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Ahl's anole (Anolis ahli) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Ghost anole (Anolis lemurinus) – Intermediate
• Aliniger anole (Anolis aliniger) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Allogus anole (Anolis allogus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Bahaman green anole (Anolis smaragdinus) – Beginner
• Bahoruco anole (Anolis bahorucoensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Baleatus giant anole (Anolis baleatus) – Intermediate
• Baracoa giant anole (Anolis baracoae) – Intermediate
• Barahona giant anole (Anolis barahonae) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Ahl's anole (Anolis ahli) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×50×80 cm for a pair — what matters is structure: branches, vertical surfaces and dense foliage. Whether a species needs more height or more floor area depends on which forest layer it lives in — anoles range from the canopy down to the leaf litter on the ground), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants, plus thin branches and bamboo at all heights), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.