Great angle-headed lizard (Gonocephalus grandis)
Agamas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Great angle-headed lizard (Gonocephalus grandis) (origin: The Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, southern Thailand). Adult size around up to approx. 40–45 cm total length. Life expectancy approx. 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Great angle-headed lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×60×150 cm for a pair.
Great angle-headed lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot 28–30 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Great angle-headed lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB needed (5–6 %).
Great angle-headed lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 years.
Great angle-headed lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 28–30 °C
- Humidity
- 80–90 %
- UVB
- UVB needed (5–6 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×60×150 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- Coco humus with a covering of leaf litter, permanently damp; a water section or a large dish is sensible
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, roaches, locusts, wax moths; occasionally snails
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3× a week; mist several times a day
Key facts
- Adult size
- up to approx. 40–45 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- approx. 8–12 years
- Origin
- The Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, southern Thailand
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; mostly wild-caught — prefer captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Pairs (1.1) or a small harem (1.2) work; never house males together. As the largest species in the genus it needs correspondingly more space; in too-small enclosures chronic stress develops even towards females.
Notes
In the wild it lives along streams and swims well. A larger water section is accepted and helps the humidity. Strong green with a blue throat in adult males.
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Related species
- Bell's angle-headed dragon (Gonocephalus bellii) – Intermediate to expert
- Borneo angle-headed lizard (Gonocephalus bornensis) – Expert
- Chameleon angle-headed lizard (Gonocephalus chamaeleontinus) – Expert
- Doria's angle-headed lizard (Gonocephalus doriae) – Intermediate
- Kuhl's angle-headed lizard (Gonocephalus kuhlii) – Expert
- Blue-eyed angle-headed lizard (Gonocephalus liogaster) – Intermediate
- Large-scaled angle-headed lizard (Gonocephalus megalepis) – Expert
- Mjöberg's angle-headed lizard (Gonocephalus mjobergi) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Great angle-headed lizard (Gonocephalus grandis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×60×150 cm for a pair), substrate (Coco humus with a covering of leaf litter, permanently damp; a water section or a large dish is sensible), 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/Gonocephalus_grandis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonocephalus_liogaster
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).