Northern curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus)

Short answers

Northern curly-tailed lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×60×60 cm.

Northern curly-tailed lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–33 °C, basking spot 40–43 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Northern curly-tailed lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 6–10 %).

Northern curly-tailed lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Northern curly-tailed lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–33 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

40–43 °C

Humidity

50–65 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 6–10 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×60×60 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam with stones, roots, partly diggable

Feeding

Food

Insects, a little fruit

Feeding interval

adults 4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

20–28 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

The Bahamas, Cuba, the Cayman Islands

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

A pair or a harem (1.2); males never together. Reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is seriously injured or permanently cornered. Females generally get along but need their own basking and hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

It rolls its tail up over its back – hence the name. Diurnal, ground-dwelling and very quick.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Northern curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Barahona curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus barahonensis) – Intermediate
• Masked curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus personatus) – Intermediate
• Red-sided curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus schreibersii) – Intermediate
• 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Northern curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with stones, roots, partly diggable), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.