Shield-tailed agama (Xenagama batillifera)

Short answers

Shield-tailed agama: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×40 cm.

Shield-tailed agama: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 30–36 °C, basking spot 45 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Shield-tailed agama: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Shield-tailed agama: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–10 years.

Shield-tailed agama: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

30–36 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

45 °C

Humidity

30–45 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×40×40 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam 15–20 cm for digging, flat stones, a cave

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches, leafy greens

Feeding interval

4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

10–14 cm total length

Life expectancy

6–10 years

Origin

Somalia, Ethiopia – semi-desert

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

Keep in pairs or as a harem (1.2). Two males do not work together - they fight over territory and basking spots until one is seriously injured or permanently pushed into a corner. One male with several females, however, works reliably. Multiple heat and hiding spots matter so lower-ranking animals can get out of the way, and feed separately once animals differ in size.

Notes

It seals its burrow with its broad, shield-shaped tail. Small, robust and well suited to medium-sized desert terrariums – an underrated way into keeping agamas.

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

• Taylor's shield-tailed agama (Xenagama taylori) – 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
• Himalayan agama (Paralaudakia himalayana) – Intermediate
• Horsfield's salea (Salea horsfieldii) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Shield-tailed agama (Xenagama batillifera) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm), substrate (Sand-loam 15–20 cm for digging, flat stones, a cave), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.