Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura defensor)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura defensor) (origin: Yucatán (Mexico) – dry forest). Adult size around 20–25 cm total length. Life expectancy 12–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×60 cm.
Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 30–36 °C, basking spot 45 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–20 years.
Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 30–36 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 45 °C
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×60 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, cork tubes and rock crevices, climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Insects, leafy greens, flowers, fruit
- Feeding interval
- 4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 12–20 years
- Origin
- Yucatán (Mexico) – dry forest
- Protection status
- CITES II; IUCN "Vulnerable"
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep in pairs. Two males do not work together - they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is seriously injured or permanently cornered. One male with several females, however, works reliably, given several basking spots and hides and separate feeding once sizes differ.
Notes
The smallest spiny-tailed iguana – it fits into normal terrarium sizes. It lives in hollow branches and rock crevices that it seals with its spiny tail. Markedly more insect-based than the large Ctenosaura.
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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 Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura defensor) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, cork tubes and rock crevices, 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/Yucat%C3%A1n_spiny-tailed_iguana, 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).