Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima) (origin: The Lesser Antilles). Adult size around 100–140 cm total length. Life expectancy 15–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Lesser Antillean iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?
250×120×200 cm (a room-sized enclosure).
Lesser Antillean iguana: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot 45 °C, at night 21–25 °C.
Lesser Antillean iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).
Lesser Antillean iguana: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–25 years.
Lesser Antillean iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–25 °C
- Basking spot
- 45 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 250×120×200 cm (a room-sized enclosure)
- Substrate
- Soil and bark mulch, sturdy climbing branches, a large water dish
Feeding
- Food
- Leafy greens, herbs, flowers, fruit – purely plant-based
- Feeding interval
- plant food daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–140 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 15–25 years
- Origin
- The Lesser Antilles
- Protection status
- CITES II; IUCN "Critically Endangered" – acutely threatened by hybridisation with Iguana iguana
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Single housing is the least stressful. A pair only in very large facilities; keep males strictly apart, as males are larger, territorial and fight over territory and basking spot. Females usually get on but need their own basking and hiding places; feed separately if sizes differ. Never keep with green iguanas: hybridisation is a risk.
Notes
Without the large cheek scales of the green iguana and markedly rarer. The greatest threat is hybridisation with introduced green iguanas – never keep it with Iguana iguana. The space requirement is as for the green iguana: a whole room terrarium.
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Related species
- Green iguana (Iguana iguana) – Intermediate to expert
- Anegada ground iguana (Cyclura pinguis) – Expert
- Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) – Expert
- Common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) – Intermediate
- Cape spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura hemilopha) – Intermediate
- Fiji banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus) – Expert
- Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura palearis) – Expert
- Helmeted iguana (Corytophanes cristatus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×120×200 cm (a room-sized enclosure)), substrate (Soil and bark mulch, sturdy climbing branches, a large water dish), 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: 8 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Reptile Database Iguana delicatissima - Reproduction: oviparous bestaetigt – https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Iguana&species=delicatissima, Wikipedia Green Iguana (Schwesterart I. iguana) - 10-15 Wochen Inkubation als Anhaltswert – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_iguana, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleiner_Antillen-Leguan, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesser_Antillean_iguana, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Iguana&species=delicatissima
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).