Zulia tegu (Tupinambis zuliensis)

Short answers

Zulia tegu: How big does the enclosure need to be?

250×120×100 cm for a pair.

Zulia tegu: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 27–33 °C, basking spot Basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 21–25 °C.

Zulia tegu: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 12.0).

Zulia tegu: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–20 years.

Zulia tegu: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

27–33 °C

Night temperature

21–25 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 45–50 °C

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 12.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

250×120×100 cm for a pair

Substrate

A deep forest-floor and sand mix they can dig in, with caves and a large water section

Feeding

Food

Insects, rodents, fish, eggs and plant food in rotation; regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

80–110 cm

Life expectancy

15–20 years

Origin

Venezuela and Colombia

Protection status

CITES II — proof of origin required

Brumation

A cooler rest of 8–12 weeks at 16–20 °C — tegus take a genuine winter rest

Cohabitation

Solitary housing is the simplest option. A 1,1 pair is also possible, but never two males together: several males fight over territory and basking spots until one is injured or permanently cornered. Females usually get along but need their own basking and hiding spots; feed separately if there is a size difference.

Notes

From the Maracaibo Basin, and practically absent from the trade.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Golden tegu (Tupinambis cryptus) – Intermediate
• Golden tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) – Intermediate
• Four-striped tegu (Tupinambis quadrilineatus) – Intermediate
• White tegu (Tupinambis matipu) – Intermediate
• Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) – Intermediate
• Yellow tegu (Salvator dracaena) – Intermediate
• Chilean dwarf tegu (Callopistes maculatus) – Intermediate
• Caiman lizard (Dracaena guianensis) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Zulia tegu (Tupinambis zuliensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (250×120×100 cm for a pair), substrate (A deep forest-floor and sand mix they can dig in, with caves and a large water section), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.