Namibian rock agama (Agama planiceps)

Short answers

Namibian rock agama: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×60×80 cm.

Namibian rock agama: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–35 °C, basking spot 45 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Namibian rock agama: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Namibian rock agama: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Namibian rock agama: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–35 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

45 °C

Humidity

35–50 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×60×80 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam, stable rock structures with crevices

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches, a little greenery

Feeding interval

4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

22–30 cm total length

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Namibia, Angola – granite rock

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

Harem of 1.2 – males strictly separate. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently sits in a corner. Females usually get along, but each needs her own basking and hiding spot; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

The male has a bright red head and a deep blue body – one of the most colourful agamas there is. A rock dweller: stone structures with narrow crevices matter more than floor area.

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

• Common agama – red-headed (Agama agama) – Intermediate
• Kirk's rock agama (Agama kirkii) – Intermediate
• Red-headed rock agama (Agama agama lionotus) – Intermediate
• Mwanza flat-headed rock agama (Agama mwanzae) – Intermediate
• Southern rock agama (Agama atra) – Intermediate
• West African rainbow agama (Agama picticauda) – Intermediate
• Bibron's agama (Agama impalearis) – Intermediate
• Blue-headed tree agama (Acanthocercus atricollis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Namibian rock agama (Agama planiceps) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×80 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, stable rock structures with crevices), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.