Puerto Rican twig anole (Anolis occultus)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Puerto Rican twig anole (Anolis occultus) (origin: Puerto Rico). Adult size around 6–8 cm. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Puerto Rican twig anole: How big does the enclosure need to be?
50×50×80 cm for a pair, densely structured with thin horizontal twigs, bamboo, ferns and leafy plants; this animal uses almost exclusively branches under 1 cm in diameter.
Puerto Rican twig anole: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 19–22 °C.
Puerto Rican twig anole: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).
Puerto Rican twig anole: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–8 years.
Puerto Rican twig anole: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 19–22 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 32–35 °C
- Humidity
- 65–85 %, mist in the morning
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 50×50×80 cm for a pair, densely structured with thin horizontal twigs, bamboo, ferns and leafy plants; this animal uses almost exclusively branches under 1 cm in diameter.
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with live plants, plus thin branches and bamboo at all heights
Feeding
- Food
- Tiniest prey: fruit flies (Drosophila), micro-crickets, springtails, firebrats, small aphids; plus nectar or fruit purée. Dust regularly with calcium and vitamins.
- Feeding interval
- adults 3–4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 6–8 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–8 years
- Origin
- Puerto Rico
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler in winter with a shorter photoperiod
- Cohabitation
- Pairs (1.1) — this matches the species: in the wild, males and females are often found sleeping only a few centimetres apart, which is interpreted as a lasting pair bond. Never keep males together — they fight until seriously injured. A second female is not recommended, because anole females also defend their own territories and the subordinate animal then eats less.
Notes
One of the smallest anoles there is, and diurnal. Very fine food.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Ghost anole (Anolis lemurinus) – Intermediate
- Ahl's anole (Anolis ahli) – Intermediate
- Aliniger anole (Anolis aliniger) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Allogus anole (Anolis allogus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Bahaman green anole (Anolis smaragdinus) – Beginner
- Bahoruco anole (Anolis bahorucoensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Baleatus giant anole (Anolis baleatus) – Intermediate
- Baracoa giant anole (Anolis baracoae) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Puerto Rican twig anole (Anolis occultus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×50×80 cm for a pair, densely structured with thin horizontal twigs, bamboo, ferns and leafy plants; this animal uses almost exclusively branches under 1 cm in diameter.), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants, plus thin branches and bamboo at all heights), 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: 5 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, anoleannals.org, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, eu_annex.txt (lokal), fws.gov
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).