Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata)

Short answers

Turks and Caicos rock iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?

250×100×120 cm for a pair.

Turks and Caicos rock iguana: What temperature does it need?

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

Turks and Caicos rock iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?

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

Turks and Caicos rock iguana: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–30 years.

Turks and Caicos rock 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

250×100×120 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

50–75 cm

Life expectancy

15–30 years

Origin

The Turks and Caicos Islands

Protection status

CITES Appendix I, IUCN "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

All Cyclura are listed in CITES I. These are not animals for the open trade but for coordinated conservation breeding.

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
• Ricord's iguana (Cyclura ricordii) – Expert
• San Salvador rock iguana (Cyclura rileyi) – Expert
• Common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×100×120 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.