Red-headed rock agama (Agama agama lionotus)

Short answers

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

150×70×80 cm for a group.

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

Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot Basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 20–24 °C.

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

UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0).

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

Life expectancy: 6–12 years.

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

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

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)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×70×80 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

25–35 cm

Life expectancy

6–12 years

Origin

East Africa

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

No winter rest; somewhat cooler in winter

Cohabitation

A harem with one male and several females (1.2); males never together. Little behavioural data exists for the species itself; a colony structure with a dominant male and mutually tolerant females is well documented in closely related rock agamas of the genus Agama.

Notes

The male has a brilliant orange-red head. Very territorial — two males never work.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Red-headed rock agama (Agama agama lionotus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Common agama – red-headed (Agama agama) – Intermediate
• Kirk's rock agama (Agama kirkii) – Intermediate
• Namibian rock agama (Agama planiceps) – Intermediate
• Mwanza flat-headed rock agama (Agama mwanzae) – Intermediate
• Southern rock agama (Agama atra) – Intermediate
• West African rainbow agama (Agama picticauda) – Intermediate
• Bibron's agama (Agama impalearis) – Intermediate
• Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Red-headed rock agama (Agama agama lionotus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×70×80 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.