Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura palearis)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura palearis) (origin: The Motagua valley, Guatemala). Adult size around 60–90 cm. Life expectancy 15–30 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?
200×80×120 cm for a pair.
Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot Basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0 — a very high requirement in herbivorous species).
Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–30 years.
Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 45–50 °C
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 12.0 — a very high requirement in herbivorous species)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 200×80×120 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Leaves, flowers and vegetables as the main food; juveniles also take insects
- Feeding interval
- adults daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 60–90 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–30 years
- Origin
- The Motagua valley, Guatemala
- Protection status
- CITES II, IUCN "Endangered" — proof of origin required
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 6–8 weeks at 18–22 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keep as a pair (1.1) or as a harem (1.2); never house males together - fights between males in this genus quickly turn bloody.
Notes
It lives in cactus dry forest. The population is badly reduced by habitat loss and collecting.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Cape spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura hemilopha) – Intermediate
- 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 Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura palearis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (200×80×120 cm for a pair), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and 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_palearis, 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).