Paraguay caiman lizard (Dracaena paraguayensis)
Monitors & tegus · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Paraguay caiman lizard (Dracaena paraguayensis) (origin: The Pantanal (Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia)). Adult size around 90–120 cm total length. Life expectancy 12–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Paraguay caiman lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
250×120×100 cm aqua-terrarium.
Paraguay caiman lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–33 °C, basking spot 40 °C, at night 23–26 °C.
Paraguay caiman lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Paraguay caiman lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–20 years.
Paraguay caiman lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 23–26 °C
- Basking spot
- 40 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 250×120×100 cm aqua-terrarium
- Substrate
- Soil and bark mulch, a very large water section (40 cm or more deep), roots
Feeding
- Food
- A SPECIALIST: water snails, mussels, crayfish
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 90–120 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 12–20 years
- Origin
- The Pantanal (Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia)
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Monitors and tegus are territorial; grown animals defend their territory and injure each other with serious bites in the process. Even small size differences mean one animal claims the warm spot and the food for itself while the other falls behind — which is often only noticed once the weaker animal has already lost weight. For breeding, put them together only under supervision.
Notes
Like the Guyana caiman lizard, a snail specialist with grinding molars – not keepable without a reliable supply of snails and mussels. It spends most of the day in the water; the filtration has to be correspondingly powerful.
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Related species
- Caiman lizard (Dracaena guianensis) – Expert
- Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) – Intermediate
- Yellow tegu (Salvator dracaena) – Intermediate
- Chilean dwarf tegu (Callopistes maculatus) – Intermediate
- Golden tegu (Tupinambis cryptus) – Intermediate
- Golden tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) – Intermediate
- Crocodile tegu (Crocodilurus amazonicus) – Expert
- Yellow-spotted dwarf tegu (Callopistes flavipunctatus) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Paraguay caiman lizard (Dracaena paraguayensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×120×100 cm aqua-terrarium), substrate (Soil and bark mulch, a very large water section (40 cm or more deep), roots), 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: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_paraguayensis, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Dracaena&species=paraguayensis
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).