Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently obtained a very healthy adult A. ceratophorus (African eyelash "jungle phase". Since I am new with this species...any pointers? Frank

Hi Frank

Even though they will vary their tendencies of being arboreal or terrestrial, I would go with a vertical cage. I like 29 gallon tall cages with a front opening hinge, if possible. 20 gallon talls will suffice, as well. You can go simple with just some wooden branches and some bark mulch (or even newspaper) substrate or you can do the whole terrarium thing with topsoil and plants. Pothos is easy to grow and keep alive. Don't get too creative because you will end up spending more time on your plants than on your snakes.

Temps should be mild to low for maintenance. They are a montane species that will perish if kept at too high of a temp for too long. 75-80 F is acceptable with extremes on either side also being acceptable for short periods (especially the lower end). You can put a heat lamp on these guys in the winter and they will cower in the lower corners of their cages. Room temp almost always is good.

Expect them to feed sporadically during cooler months, but they may feed every week during the warmer periods. This is a classic case of opportunistic feeding. Get used to it and it will not "wig" you out when they go off of food when it is not ideal for them to be feeding. Seasonal feeding is what comes to mind.

Let me know if you have any problems. I have free advice anytime. I've kept a few alive for a few years, but do not claim to be an expert with them. Best of luck.

Derek Morgan

looks like I did the right things on setting it up. 20H, branch, 75-78F...I did use spagnum for the ground cover and supplied a large water bowl within easy reach. I am misting once a day since I am in AC. Any thoughts on that? Thanks for the help,
Frank

Your setting sounds good to me Frank. Im also down here in S. FL and I have kept my Ceratophorus the same way. I had him for 6 months and he was since sold to a friend of mine and doing great. They are lil snappers eh?

Joe

She just shed so it's a brilliant lemon & licorice chomp!!!
Frank

I just had to try to post a photo - hope it's not too big. This is one of my favorite ceratophorus individuals. Possibly this year's babies, WC. Aggressive little thing.
Regards,

Christian