Spiny-tailed dwarf iguana (Hoplocercus spinosus)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Spiny-tailed dwarf iguana (Hoplocercus spinosus) (origin: Central Brazil). Adult size around 15–22 cm. Life expectancy 6–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Spiny-tailed dwarf iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×60×100 cm for a pair.
Spiny-tailed dwarf iguana: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–31 °C, basking spot Basking spot 34–38 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Spiny-tailed dwarf iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Spiny-tailed dwarf iguana: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–12 years.
Spiny-tailed dwarf iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 34–38 °C
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×60×100 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with climbing branches; for the dry-country species sand-loam with stones
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, roaches, locusts and house crickets; the larger species also take plant food
- Feeding interval
- adults 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–22 cm
- Life expectancy
- 6–12 years
- Origin
- Central Brazil
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler in winter
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is least stressful. There is little evidence of male rivalry for this species itself; anyone wanting to keep several should put one male with one or two females in a sufficiently large, richly structured terrarium and watch for compatibility.
Notes
It lives in self-dug burrows in the cerrado. It needs deep, firm ground to dig in.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Spiny-tailed dwarf iguana (Hoplocercus spinosus) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Barahona curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus barahonensis) – Intermediate
- Bibron's tree iguana (Liolaemus bibronii) – Intermediate
- Blue tree iguana (Uracentron azureum) – Expert
- Painted tree iguana (Liolaemus pictus) – Intermediate
- Thin tree iguana (Liolaemus tenuis) – Intermediate
- Chilean tree iguana (Liolaemus chiliensis) – Intermediate
- Thick-tailed whorltail iguana (Stenocercus crassicaudatus) – Intermediate
- Common monkey lizard (Polychrus marmoratus) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Spiny-tailed dwarf iguana (Hoplocercus spinosus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×60×100 cm for a pair), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with climbing branches; for the dry-country species sand-loam with stones), 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: 5 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoplocercus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Hoplocercus&species=spinosus, en.wikipedia „Spiny weapontail“ (nocturnal); Plazi-Artbehandlung Hoplocercus spinosus nach Ávila-Pires 1995 (Bau 30–40 cm tief, tagsüber im Bau, kommt in der Dämmerung heraus)
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).