Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx nigriventris)

Short answers

Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150×80×60 cm.

Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 30–38 °C, basking spot 50–55 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 12 %).

Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–30 years.

Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

30–38 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

50–55 °C

Humidity

20–35 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 12 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×80×60 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam 20–30 cm for digging, stone slabs, a cave

Feeding

Food

Leafy greens, herbs, seeds, pulses – purely plant-based

Feeding interval

plant food daily

Key facts

Adult size

35–45 cm total length

Life expectancy

20–30 years

Origin

Morocco, Algeria

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 15–18 °C

Cohabitation

Keep in pairs (1.1) or as a harem with one male and several females; never two males together. The reason: males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.

Notes

Long treated as a colour form of U. acanthinura, today a species of its own – the males are brilliant red or orange. Feed it strictly plant-based: animal protein leads to gout and kidney damage.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) – Intermediate to expert
• Bent's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx benti) – Intermediate
• Indian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx hardwickii) – Intermediate
• Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx loricata) – Intermediate
• Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx shobraki) – Intermediate
• Macfadyen's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx macfadyeni) – Intermediate
• Mali spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx dispar maliensis) – Intermediate
• Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx acanthinura) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx nigriventris) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam 20–30 cm for digging, stone slabs, a cave), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.