Gran Canaria giant lizard (Gallotia stehlini)

Short answers

Gran Canaria giant lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150×70×70 cm.

Gran Canaria giant lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–33 °C, basking spot 45 °C, at night 16–21 °C.

Gran Canaria giant lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).

Gran Canaria giant lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years.

Gran Canaria giant lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–33 °C

Night temperature

16–21 °C

Basking spot

45 °C

Humidity

40–55 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×70×70 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam, large rock structures, succulents, caves

Feeding

Food

Fruit, leafy greens, flowers, insects

Feeding interval

4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

50–80 cm total length

Life expectancy

15–20 years

Origin

Gran Canaria

Protection status

Protected (Spain) – only captive-bred animals with proof of origin

Brumation

A cooler spell of 8–10 weeks

Cohabitation

Kept in pairs; males kept strictly separate. Several males fight over territory and basking spots until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females usually get along but need their own basking and hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

The largest living Gallotia and thus one of Europe's largest lizards. Mainly plant-eating – the space requirement is more like that of a small iguana than a lizard.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Gran Canaria giant lizard (Gallotia stehlini) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Atlantic lizard (Gallotia atlantica) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Boettger's lizard (Gallotia caesaris) – Beginner with some knowledge
• El Hierro giant lizard (Gallotia simonyi) – No husbandry possible.
• Tenerife lizard (Gallotia galloti) – Intermediate
• La Gomera giant lizard (Gallotia bravoana) – No husbandry possible.
• Tenerife speckled lizard (Gallotia intermedia) – No husbandry possible.
• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Gran Canaria giant lizard (Gallotia stehlini) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×70×70 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, large rock structures, succulents, caves), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.