Reptoria

Lake Eyre dragon (Ctenophorus maculosus)

Agamas · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Lake Eyre dragon (Ctenophorus maculosus) (origin: South Australia, salt lakes). Adult size around 15–20 cm. Life expectancy 6–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Lake Eyre dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×50 cm for a group.

Lake Eyre dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot Basking spot 44–48 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Lake Eyre dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0).

Lake Eyre dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–12 years.

Lake Eyre dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
28–34 °C
Night temperature
16–20 °C
Basking spot
Basking spot 44–48 °C
Humidity
25–40 %
UVB
Essential (UVB 12.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size
100×50×50 cm for a group
Substrate
A sand-loam mix they can dig in, very dry

Feeding

Food
Crickets, locusts, roaches and house crickets, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
15–20 cm
Life expectancy
6–12 years
Origin
South Australia, salt lakes
Protection status
Not listed under CITES
Brumation
A cooler rest of 8–10 weeks at 12–16 °C
Cohabitation
Harem (1,2); Männchen niemals zusammen. Der Grund: mehrere Männchen kämpfen um Revier und Wärmeplatz, bis eines verletzt ist oder dauerhaft in der Ecke sitzt. Weibchen vertragen sich meist, brauchen aber je eigene Wärme- und Versteckplätze; bei Größenunterschieden getrennt füttern.

Notes

It lives on salt crusts. In the mating season the females turn a striking orange.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Lake Eyre dragon (Ctenophorus maculosus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, very dry), 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: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenophorus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Ctenophorus&species=maculosus

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).