Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have noticed the pupils on my young Rhino (9 months) dilate back and forth at a fairly rapid rate when I am looking into them. Is this normal, or the effect of stress, or something else?

It's just a response to stimulation... meaning he knows you are making eye contact and his brain is responding. They do this when you offer them food too, or show them something that piques their curiosity. Parrots do the same thing if you have ever watched them interacting with people and things. I think it's cool because you can tell when they are thinking, and that they intelligent reptiles!
-----
Bri

He is by far the most intelligent reptile I have had. His eyes do it most when I am hand feeding him. He still doesnt like to be handled much, but he is calm when I carry him to the bathtub and lets me pet him any time I want without darting away.
Thanks for the tip on the window in your previous post, I will try that as he calms more. I did put him in a large 40 gallon clear tote next to the window today and he just looked out watching everything for about an hour. I think he would stay but dont want to have to retrieve him if he ran under furniture to hide. He is just 9 months old and I dont want to rush him too much.

you are watching your little rhino's eyes focusing on different objects and depths with in its field of vision. Its how their eyes work. normal, and pretty cool

jf

Thanks jf, its good to hear from you! It is cool now that I know it is normal and what its about. Every day I wonder why I waited so long to get a Cyclura. I think they are quite easy to care for. Next year I want to add a Lewisi hybrid to the family.

When I worked at a pet store in college the bird folks called it "pinpointing" when the Macaws did it and at least for brids it was a warning sign; they were agitated and only did it when they were getting worked up. I have wondered about that when I watch my hybrid do it.

Yeah I don't know parrots very personally but now that you mention it I do recall seeing them get pretty pissed off when their pupils turn to pinpoints. I think jf gave the best answer, and I know my rhino and other cyclura(all tame) seem to do it when they are curious or are offered a favorite snack. You will know they are pissed when their eyes open wide, they puff up, hiss, tail whip, lash out with mouth open, or do certain headbobs.
-----
Bri

With birds it can be both a warning and also a sign that they are happy and excited. I've seen my birds do it on both occassions and you have to know the bird and the body language.

It would be interesting to see if Cyclura use their pupils in the same way. Then I would wonder if it's convergent evolution or if it has to do with a common ancestor...