Rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta)

Short answers

Rhinoceros iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Very large, from ~4 m² of floor area for adults (e.g. 300×200×200 cm).

Rhinoceros iguana: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 30–35 °C, basking spot Basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 22–28 °C.

Rhinoceros iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (strong UVB, e.g. an Ultra-Vitalux).

Rhinoceros iguana: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–40 years.

Rhinoceros iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

30–35 °C

Night temperature

22–28 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 40–45 °C

Humidity

50–70 %

UVB

Essential (strong UVB, e.g. an Ultra-Vitalux)

Enclosure

Minimum size

Very large, from ~4 m² of floor area for adults (e.g. 300×200×200 cm)

Substrate

A sand-loam or soil-sand mix, solid rock structures

Feeding

Food

Mostly plant-based (leaves, vegetables, herbs, little fruit)

Feeding interval

Plant food daily for adults

Key facts

Adult size

100–135 cm total length, 4–10 kg

Life expectancy

20–40 years

Origin

Hispaniola (Haiti, the Dominican Republic), dry forest

Protection status

CITES Appendix I / EU A, strictly protected, registration required plus a ban on commercial use

Brumation

None (a slight seasonal drop is optional)

Cohabitation

Singly or as a harmonious pair; the males are strongly territorial. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm 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 powerful giant lizard with a painful bite and an enormous space requirement. For very experienced keepers only.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Anegada ground iguana (Cyclura pinguis) – Expert
• Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) – Expert
• Jamaican iguana (Cyclura collei) – Expert
• Cuban rock iguana (Cyclura nubila) – Expert
• Ricord's iguana (Cyclura ricordii) – Expert
• San Salvador rock iguana (Cyclura rileyi) – Expert
• Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata) – Expert
• Common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (Very large, from ~4 m² of floor area for adults (e.g. 300×200×200 cm)), substrate (A sand-loam or soil-sand mix, 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.