Horsfield's salea (Salea horsfieldii)
Agamas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Horsfield's salea (Salea horsfieldii) (origin: Endemic to the Nilgiri Hills (southern India), highland grassland and montane forest at 1,600–2,500 m). Adult size around approx. 25–35 cm including the long tail (an estimate). Life expectancy uncertain, estimated at 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Horsfield's salea: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×50×80 cm (semi-arboreal, structured with branches and mossy rock).
Horsfield's salea: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot — to a mild spot of max. ~28–30 °C (highland species, no strong basking spot), at night 12–16 °C.
Horsfield's salea: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4).
Horsfield's salea: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: uncertain, estimated at 5–8 years.
Horsfield's salea: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–16 °C
- Basking spot
- — to a mild spot of max. ~28–30 °C (highland species, no strong basking spot)
- Humidity
- 70–90 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×50×80 cm (semi-arboreal, structured with branches and mossy rock)
- Substrate
- Forest floor or coco humus with moss and leaf litter, damp
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (crickets, small locusts, roaches)
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 25–35 cm including the long tail (an estimate)
- Life expectancy
- uncertain, estimated at 5–8 years
- Origin
- Endemic to the Nilgiri Hills (southern India), highland grassland and montane forest at 1,600–2,500 m
- Protection status
- Protected in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, export prohibited; legally kept animals are practically unavailable
- Brumation
- A cool seasonal rest (highland): a moderate drop in temperature and a shorter photoperiod
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly; a pair (1.1) only with care and plenty of space; never two males together
Notes
A cool mountain climate is essential – permanent temperatures above 30 °C are dangerous. Barely any keeping experience; the figures are derived from its ecology and origin (low confidence).
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Kakhien salea (Salea kakhienensis) – Expert
- Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) – Intermediate
- Spotted butterfly lizard (Leiolepis guttata) – Intermediate
- Painted dragon (Ctenophorus pictus) – Intermediate
- Common flying dragon (Draco volans) – Expert
- Green crested lizard (Bronchocela cristatella) – Intermediate
- Himalayan agama (Paralaudakia himalayana) – Intermediate
- Red-bellied rock agama (Paralaudakia erythrogastra) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Horsfield's salea (Salea horsfieldii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×50×80 cm (semi-arboreal, structured with branches and mossy rock)), substrate (Forest floor or coco humus with moss and leaf litter, damp), 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/Salea, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salea_horsfieldii
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).