Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My bf and I have 2 beardies. Yesterday we got a "golden agama" from a family who didn't want it due to it's very jumpy nature. My question is, from the little information I have, they seem very similar to beardies in their care, except they need a lower basking temp, and don't eat greens at all. Can anyone direct me to a board on here, or elsewhere, where this lizard might be mroe topical so I can get a bit more information? He's an amazing little creature, and I have the basic info, I just want more valid information on feeding than I've been able to find so far. Thanks

bearded dragons are also agamids but not all agamids require the same care. Agamids are actually a pretty large family (Family Agamidae)of lizards.

We don't have a specific forum for agamas in general, though we do have the general lizard forum which is there for any other lizards that doesn't have a 'named' forum for them. The link is below.

forums.kingsnake.com/forum.php?catid=39

Doing a bit of research, I have found that the golden agama has a few different common names. Searching for each common name may bring out more detail on their care. Understanding where they originate from will also be helpful. The links below are some things I Have found which may prove useful.

www.centralpets.com/animals/reptiles/lizards/lzd5943.html

www.srcf.ucam.org/~mcwb2/info.html

I also found this little paragraph from a forum, but it is such a pain to track down the post, and some of it had information I don't recommend (mostly keeping these little agamas in with bearded dragons, not a good idea. A large bearded dragon may decide to eat it)

"Clown Agamas get about 8 inches long fully grown. about a 30 gallon tank would be great for a minimum OR the maximum. you could house 2-3 in a 55 gallon tank. they are just like Bearded Dragons, as i said. They like the more desert climate (80-95 degrees Farenheight). a great turf would be a sand bottom (washed playsand, about $2 for a 50 pound bag at walmart) and some rocks for climbing and basking. Their diet should consist of Crckets, Mealworms/WaxWorms/SilkWorms, Dandelion Greens and Strawberries. they are not as docile as bearded dragons so taming may be difficult. i hope this helps!"

(exurb from: http://www.practical-pet-care.com/lizard_question.php?ID=2.2004052318444982 )

From skimming through these pages, it appears these agamas can be kept pretty much like bearded dragon but don't need as much space. Insects should be a heavy part of their diet but greens as well. (not sure if amount of insects should be reduced after it grows older or not). Being a desert animal, UVB is important, so you will need to provide a good UVB light in addition to a warm basking area ( 90-100F range is good).

I suggest posting your question in the general lizard forum who's link I included above to see if anybody can give you better information from personal care of these interesting little agamas.

I myself, besides a bearded dragon, keep a spade tailed agama, which is very similar to the dwarf shield tail agama. Cute little lizards.

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PHLdyPayne