Sonoran spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura macrolopha)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Sonoran spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura macrolopha) (origin: North-western Mexico). Adult size around 60–90 cm. Life expectancy 15–30 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Sonoran spiny-tailed iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?
250×100×150 cm for a pair.
Sonoran spiny-tailed iguana: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot Basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Sonoran spiny-tailed iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0 — a very high requirement in herbivorous species).
Sonoran spiny-tailed iguana: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–30 years.
Sonoran spiny-tailed 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
- 250×100×150 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Leaves, flowers and vegetables as the main food; juveniles also take insects
- Feeding interval
- adults (almost) daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 60–90 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–30 years
- Origin
- North-western Mexico
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 6–8 weeks at 18–22 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keep as a pair (1.1) or as a harem (1.2); never house males together - fights between males in this genus quickly turn bloody.
Notes
A dry-forest species that climbs a lot. It needs stout branches.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Sonoran spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura macrolopha) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Cape spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura hemilopha) – Intermediate
- Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura palearis) – Expert
- Northeastern spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura acanthura) – Expert
- Mexican spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) – Intermediate
- Club-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura quinquecarinata) – Expert
- Oaxaca spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura oaxacana) – Expert
- Roatán spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura oedirhina) – Expert
- Black-chested spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura melanosterna) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Sonoran spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura macrolopha) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×100×150 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenosaura, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenosaura_macrolopha, https://reptilesmagazine.com/spiny-tailed-iguana-care-sheet/, https://www.zoonewengland.org/stone-zoo/animals/reptiles-amphibians/spiny-tailed-iguana/
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).