Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx shobraki)
Agamas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx shobraki) (origin: Yemen). Adult size around 25–33 cm total length (individual animals up to ~39 cm). Life expectancy 20–30 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×50 cm.
Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 30–38 °C, basking spot 50 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 12 %).
Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–30 years.
Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 30–38 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 50 °C
- Humidity
- 20–35 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×50 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam they can dig in, stone slabs
Feeding
- Food
- Leafy greens, herbs, seeds – purely plant-based
- Feeding interval
- plant food daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 25–33 cm total length (individual animals up to ~39 cm)
- Life expectancy
- 20–30 years
- Origin
- Yemen
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 8–12 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Pairs or a harem (one male, several females) work well; two males never go together — they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is badly injured or ends up permanently cornered. One male with several females works reliably instead. Several warm spots and hides are important so lower-ranking animals can retreat, and feed separately once sizes differ.
Notes
A blue-grey to turquoise species from the south-west of the Arabian Peninsula. Like all Uromastyx, feed it strictly vegetarian and provide a very hot basking spot.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) – Intermediate to expert
- Bent's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx benti) – Intermediate
- Indian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx hardwickii) – Intermediate
- Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx loricata) – Intermediate
- Macfadyen's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx macfadyeni) – Intermediate
- Mali spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx dispar maliensis) – Intermediate
- Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx acanthinura) – Intermediate
- Geyr's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx geyri) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx shobraki) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam they can dig in, stone slabs), 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/Uromastyx, https://reptifiles.com/uromastyx-care/, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Uromastyx&species=shobraki
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).