Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura oaxacana)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura oaxacana) (origin: Oaxaca, Mexico). Adult size around 60–80 cm. Life expectancy 15–30 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?
200×80×120 cm for a pair.
Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot Basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0 — a very high requirement in herbivorous species).
Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–30 years.
Oaxaca 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
- 200×80×120 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
- 60–80 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–30 years
- Origin
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Protection status
- IUCN "Critically Endangered" — only documented captive breeding
- 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
A tiny remnant population in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
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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
- Mexican spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) – Intermediate
- Club-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura quinquecarinata) – 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 Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura oaxacana) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (200×80×120 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_oaxacana, 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).