Red-bellied rock agama (Paralaudakia erythrogastra)

Short answers

Red-bellied rock agama: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×60×70 cm for a group.

Red-bellied rock agama: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot Basking spot 44–48 °C, at night 12–17 °C.

Red-bellied rock agama: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0).

Red-bellied rock agama: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–12 years.

Red-bellied rock agama: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

12–17 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 44–48 °C

Humidity

30–45 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 12.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×60×70 cm for a group

Substrate

A sand-loam mix with solid rock structures

Feeding

Food

Crickets, locusts, roaches and house crickets, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

25–33 cm

Life expectancy

6–12 years

Origin

Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A winter rest of 10–12 weeks at 6–12 °C

Cohabitation

Pairs or a 1.2 trio (one male with several females) work well; never two males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.

Notes

A highland species with a reddish belly. It needs a genuinely cold winter rest.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Large-eared rock agama (Paralaudakia nupta) – Intermediate
• Himalayan agama (Paralaudakia himalayana) – Intermediate
• Caucasian agama (Paralaudakia caucasia) – Intermediate
• Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) – Intermediate
• Spotted butterfly lizard (Leiolepis guttata) – Intermediate
• Painted dragon (Ctenophorus pictus) – Intermediate
• Common flying dragon (Draco volans) – Expert
• Green crested lizard (Bronchocela cristatella) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Red-bellied rock agama (Paralaudakia erythrogastra) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×70 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix with solid rock structures), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.