Broad-tailed girdled lizard (Zonosaurus laticaudatus)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Broad-tailed girdled lizard (Zonosaurus laticaudatus) (origin: Western Madagascar – dry forest along watercourses). Adult size around 30–40 cm. Life expectancy 12–18 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Broad-tailed girdled lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×60 cm.
Broad-tailed girdled lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–31 °C, basking spot 35–38 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Broad-tailed girdled lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 6 %).
Broad-tailed girdled lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–18 years.
Broad-tailed girdled lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–38 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 6 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×60 cm
- Substrate
- A coco humus and sand mix, roots, a water basin
Feeding
- Food
- Insects, fruit, occasionally fish
- Feeding interval
- adults 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 30–40 cm
- Life expectancy
- 12–18 years
- Origin
- Western Madagascar – dry forest along watercourses
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- A pair or 1.2. Two males will not work together — they fight over territory and the warm spot until one is seriously injured or spends its life in a corner. One male with several females, on the other hand, works reliably. What matters is several warm spots and hides so that subordinate animals can get out of the way, and separate feeding as soon as the animals differ in size.
Notes
A plated lizard from near water; it swims well – a larger water basin is used readily. An omnivore with a leaning towards fruit.
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Related species
- Bronze plated lizard (Zonosaurus aeneus) – Intermediate
- Giant plated lizard (Zonosaurus maximus) – Intermediate
- Karsten's girdled lizard (Zonosaurus karsteni) – Intermediate
- Madagascar girdled lizard (Zonosaurus madagascariensis) – Beginner
- Ornate girdled lizard (Zonosaurus ornatus) – Intermediate
- Four-lined girdled lizard (Zonosaurus quadrilineatus) – Intermediate
- Rough-scaled plated lizard (Broadleysaurus major) – Intermediate
- Yellow-throated plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus flavigularis) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Broad-tailed girdled lizard (Zonosaurus laticaudatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×60 cm), substrate (A coco humus and sand mix, roots, a water basin), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zonosaurus_laticaudatus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Zonosaurus&species=laticaudatus, https://www.academia.edu/1792878/Zonosaurus_laticaudatus_Western_girdled_lizard_semiaquatic_defensive_behaviour
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).