Ring-tailed dragon (Ctenophorus caudicinctus)
Agamas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Ring-tailed dragon (Ctenophorus caudicinctus) (origin: North-western Australia). Adult size around 20–28 cm. Life expectancy 6–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Ring-tailed dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×70 cm for a group.
Ring-tailed dragon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 29–35 °C, basking spot Basking spot 45–52 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Ring-tailed dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0).
Ring-tailed dragon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–12 years.
Ring-tailed dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 29–35 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 45–52 °C
- Humidity
- 25–40 %
- 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
- 20–28 cm
- Life expectancy
- 6–12 years
- Origin
- North-western Australia
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 6–8 weeks at 14–18 °C
- Cohabitation
- Harem (1,2); Männchen niemals zusammen. Der Grund: mehrere Männchen kämpfen um Revier und Wärmeplatz, bis eines verletzt ist oder dauerhaft in der Ecke sitzt. Weibchen vertragen sich meist, brauchen aber je eigene Wärme- und Versteckplätze; bei Größenunterschieden getrennt füttern.
Notes
A rock dweller that climbs vertical rock.
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Related species
- Painted dragon (Ctenophorus pictus) – Intermediate
- Military dragon (Ctenophorus isolepis) – Intermediate
- Western netted dragon (Ctenophorus reticulatus) – Intermediate
- Lake Eyre dragon (Ctenophorus maculosus) – Intermediate
- Central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) – Intermediate
- Gippsland water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii howittii) – Intermediate
- Eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii) – Intermediate
- Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Ring-tailed dragon (Ctenophorus caudicinctus) 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenophorus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Ctenophorus&species=caudicinctus
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).