Cape spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura hemilopha)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Cape spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura hemilopha) (origin: Baja California, Sonora (Mexico)). Adult size around 70–100 cm total length. Life expectancy 15–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Cape spiny-tailed iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?
200×100×120 cm.
Cape spiny-tailed iguana: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 30–36 °C, basking spot 48 °C, at night 19–23 °C.
Cape spiny-tailed iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).
Cape spiny-tailed iguana: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–25 years.
Cape spiny-tailed iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 30–36 °C
- Night temperature
- 19–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 48 °C
- Humidity
- 35–50 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 200×100×120 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, large rock structures, sturdy climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Leafy greens, flowers, fruit, few insects
- Feeding interval
- daily (mostly plant food)
Key facts
- Adult size
- 70–100 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 15–25 years
- Origin
- Baja California, Sonora (Mexico)
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep in pairs, with males strictly separated. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently cornered. Females usually get along but each needs its own basking spot and hide; feed separately once sizes differ.
Notes
A large, very fast dry-forest species. Adults eat mainly plant material – too much animal protein leads to gout. The space requirement is regularly underestimated at purchase.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura palearis) – Expert
- Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura acanthura) – Expert
- Mexican spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) – Intermediate
- Club-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura quinquecarinata) – Expert
- Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura oaxacana) – Expert
- Roatán spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura oedirhina) – Expert
- Black-chested spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura melanosterna) – Expert
- Black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Cape spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura hemilopha) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (200×100×120 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, large rock structures, sturdy climbing branches), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenosaura, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenosaura_hemilopha, https://reptilesmagazine.com/spiny-tailed-iguana-care-sheet/, https://www.zoonewengland.org/stone-zoo/animals/reptiles-amphibians/spiny-tailed-iguana/
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).