Mexican spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Mexican spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) (origin: Western Mexico – dry forest). Adult size around 80–130 cm. Life expectancy 15–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Mexican spiny-tailed iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?
200×100×150 cm.
Mexican spiny-tailed iguana: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot 42–45 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Mexican spiny-tailed iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Mexican spiny-tailed iguana: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–25 years.
Mexican spiny-tailed iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 42–45 °C
- Humidity
- 40–55 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 200×100×150 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam with climbing branches and rock structures
Feeding
- Food
- Mostly plant-based (leaves, flowers, vegetables); juveniles also take insects
- Feeding interval
- plant food daily for adults
Key facts
- Adult size
- 80–130 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–25 years
- Origin
- Western Mexico – dry forest
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping it singly or as a pair (1.1) in a very large enclosure is possible, as the species is considered unusually social for a spiny-tailed iguana. Two males still do not get along: they do not willingly share a basking spot or hide and fight until one is injured or permanently cornered.
Notes
It grows large and powerful – the space requirement is regularly underestimated. Adults are mainly plant eaters; too much animal protein damages the kidneys.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Cape spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura hemilopha) – Intermediate
- Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura palearis) – Expert
- Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura acanthura) – Expert
- 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 Mexican spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (200×100×150 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with climbing branches and rock structures), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenosaura, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenosaura_pectinata, 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).