Ricord's iguana (Cyclura ricordii)

Short answers

Ricord's iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?

300×120×150 cm for a pair.

Ricord's iguana: What temperature does it need?

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

Ricord's iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0 — a very high requirement in herbivorous species).

Ricord's iguana: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–30 years.

Ricord's iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

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 — a very high requirement in herbivorous species)

Enclosure

Minimum size

300×120×150 cm for a pair

Substrate

A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and climbing branches

Feeding

Food

Leaves, flowers, fruit and vegetables — mostly plant-based

Feeding interval

adults daily

Key facts

Adult size

60–90 cm

Life expectancy

15–30 years

Origin

Hispaniola

Protection status

CITES Appendix I, IUCN "Critically Endangered" — trade is effectively ruled out

Brumation

A cooler rest of 6–8 weeks at 18–22 °C

Cohabitation

Kept in pairs (1.1) or with two females (1.2); males must never be housed together - in this genus that quickly ends fatally.

Notes

It shares its habitat with the rhinoceros iguana. Only a few thousand animals remain.

Do you keep this species?

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

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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
• Rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) – 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 Ricord's iguana (Cyclura ricordii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (300×120×150 cm for a pair), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and climbing branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.