Grenada tree anole (Anolis richardii)

Short answers

Grenada tree anole: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 85×85×115 cm for one animal; for a pair from 85×85×115 cm (German 1997 expert report, based on 14 cm SVL).

Grenada tree anole: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot Local basking spot 32–35 °C, with explicitly shaded perches alongside it, at night 20–23 °C.

Grenada tree anole: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4).

Grenada tree anole: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 5–8 years in captivity (an estimate).

Grenada tree anole: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

Local basking spot 32–35 °C, with explicitly shaded perches alongside it

Humidity

70–85 %

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 85×85×115 cm for one animal; for a pair from 85×85×115 cm (German 1997 expert report, based on 14 cm SVL)

Substrate

Damp tropical substrate, leaf litter, dense planting, sturdy climbing branches

Feeding

Food

Insects (crickets, roaches, large locusts); large animals occasionally take fruit or small invertebrates

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

A large species: males SVL up to ~14 cm, total length up to ~30 cm; females considerably smaller (~15 cm overall)

Life expectancy

approx. 5–8 years in captivity (an estimate)

Origin

Grenada and the Grenadines (endemic; introduced to Tobago); arboreal

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; no German registration duty as a non-native species; prefer captive-bred animals

Brumation

None (tropical)

Cohabitation

Keeping a pair (1.1) is the least stressful option; never keep males together. One male with several females is possible in a large, well-structured terrarium with visual barriers, but: females defend territories too, and in the long run one animal is often suppressed and loses weight — separate it if that happens.

Notes

One of the larger anole species. Specific husbandry data are sparse – the figures are derived from general giant anole care; size figures vary between sources (SVL versus total length).

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Ghost anole (Anolis lemurinus) – Intermediate
• Ahl's anole (Anolis ahli) – Intermediate
• Aliniger anole (Anolis aliniger) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Allogus anole (Anolis allogus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Bahaman green anole (Anolis smaragdinus) – Beginner
• Bahoruco anole (Anolis bahorucoensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Baleatus giant anole (Anolis baleatus) – Intermediate
• Baracoa giant anole (Anolis baracoae) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Grenada tree anole (Anolis richardii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 85×85×115 cm for one animal; for a pair from 85×85×115 cm (German 1997 expert report, based on 14 cm SVL)), substrate (Damp tropical substrate, leaf litter, dense planting, 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.