Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura acanthura)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura acanthura) (origin: Eastern Mexico). Adult size around 80–120 cm. Life expectancy 15–30 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?
250×100×150 cm for a pair.
Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot Basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0 — a very high requirement in herbivorous species).
Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–30 years.
Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 45–50 °C
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 12.0 — a very high requirement in herbivorous species)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 250×100×150 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Leaves, flowers and vegetables as the main food; juveniles also take insects
- Feeding interval
- adults fresh greens daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 80–120 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–30 years
- Origin
- Eastern Mexico
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 6–8 weeks at 18–22 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keep as a pair (1.1) or as a harem (1.2); never house males together - fights between males in this genus quickly turn bloody.
Notes
It grows very large and needs space to match. The young eat insects, adults mainly plants.
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
- Mexican spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) – Intermediate
- 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 Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura acanthura) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×100×150 cm for a pair), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and climbing branches), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenosaura, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenosaura_acanthura, 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).