Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi)

Short answers

Grand Cayman blue iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?

For one animal or a pair according to the expert report (5 x 4 x 3 times snout–vent length, valid for up to two animals), at 60 cm SVL about 300 x 240 x 180 cm; only sensible as a walk-in room enclosure, plus an outdoor enclosure in summer.

Grand Cayman blue iguana: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 30–35 °C, basking spot Basking spot 38–40 °C, at night 24–27 °C.

Grand Cayman blue iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (10–14 h a day).

Grand Cayman blue iguana: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: Several decades; 40–60 years is achievable in human care, and one animal died in 2004 at an estimated 69 years old.

Grand Cayman blue iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

30–35 °C

Night temperature

24–27 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 38–40 °C

Humidity

40–70 %

UVB

Essential (10–14 h a day)

Enclosure

Minimum size

For one animal or a pair according to the expert report (5 x 4 x 3 times snout–vent length, valid for up to two animals), at 60 cm SVL about 300 x 240 x 180 cm; only sensible as a walk-in room enclosure, plus an outdoor enclosure in summer

Substrate

A sand and soil mix, large rock structures

Feeding

Food

Mostly plant-based (leaves, vegetables, little fruit)

Feeding interval

Plant food daily for adults

Key facts

Adult size

Up to ~1.5 m total length, up to 14 kg

Life expectancy

Several decades; 40–60 years is achievable in human care, and one animal died in 2004 at an estimated 69 years old

Origin

Grand Cayman (endemic)

Protection status

CITES Appendix I / EU A, "Critically Endangered", strictly protected, registration required

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Single housing or a pair; males are aggressive. The reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or permanently sits in the corner. Females also defend their own territories and form a hierarchy among themselves, so several females need a lot of space and their own basking and hiding spots each. In breeding facilities a pair is usually only put together for the mating season, because after egg-laying males often attack females as well; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

A critically endangered species in breeding programmes — practically unavailable in the private trade and legally problematic. A giant lizard with an enormous space requirement.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Anegada ground iguana (Cyclura pinguis) – Expert
• Jamaican iguana (Cyclura collei) – Expert
• Cuban rock iguana (Cyclura nubila) – Expert
• Rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) – Expert
• Ricord's iguana (Cyclura ricordii) – Expert
• San Salvador rock iguana (Cyclura rileyi) – Expert
• Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata) – Expert
• Common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (For one animal or a pair according to the expert report (5 x 4 x 3 times snout–vent length, valid for up to two animals), at 60 cm SVL about 300 x 240 x 180 cm; only sensible as a walk-in room enclosure, plus an outdoor enclosure in summer), substrate (A sand and soil mix, large rock structures), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.