Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've acquired a few new lizards over the summer. In July I was totally shocked and very very pleased when a fellow rescuer gave me this incredible lizard. Gorgeous and sweet lizard. Wish all rescues were like this one. This is Ctolstoy.

These little critters were rescued from a pet store that was letting them starve. When I heard that they were coming I just assumed that they were most likely similis. What a pleasant surprise to find out they are palearis! They are eating very well and putting on weight quickly. They are also a riot to watch...so active!!

And lastly, this is the little girl that I picked up in Daytona. I like to consider her a rescue of sorts since she was in pretty rough shape but I did pay a small price for her. She's eating well and shedding now and showing lots of blue coloration. I think she'll be a pretty lady. Take a look at Nivea.

wow, beautiful animals!! that first photo, is that a C. Similis?
if so how is the temperament? how big is it? just curious on what the average size of these lizards are! the c.palaris are such good Reptiles! i used to have one before he escaped one day
oh well, here is a pic of him below, never been able to find anymore of them sadly. well just wanted to say beautiful reptiles

sorry to hear about the escape of your palearis. I can imagine how that could happen since the two here are very active and quick as lightning. Ctolstoy, the male similis, is an amazing animal. He has quite an interesting history. He is 11 years old and his previous owner, who raised him from a hatchling, kept him in a 125 gallon tank and fed him once a week. I don't think he was handled much so I can't explain his wonderful temperament. He's a bit squirmy at first but then settles right into my hands. He has not yet offered to bite and that's reassuring since his teeth are huge!! Ctolstoy is close to 4 feet in length and weighs about 3.5 pounds. He is steadily gaining.

very cool. are they normaly agressive? or do they tame down after some tlc? the reason i ask is i am going to a reptile expo in phenonix next week and am trying to decide if i want a rhino or a similis? not sure, i would so love to have a palearis again but i can never find the little guys, maybe this show will have them as well? dunno? oh yeah does the c similis have same diets as most iguanas? or does it require protien? also is it more ground dwelling or tree dwelling? thnx for all your help

Ctenos, similis in particular, are known for not taming down easily or quickly. It takes a lot of patience and time, altho I've seen some wonderfully tame similis. Diet is practically the same but Ctenos can tolerate and enjoy some animal protein in the diet. I feed my little ones crickets once a week and the adults get a fuzzy mouse once or twice a month.

If it were my choice I'd go with the Rhino but they've always been my favorites. Have fun at the show!!

in my experience the Ctenos enjoy some height to their enclosure. I house mine the same way that I'd house a simliar sized Green Iguana. The Cyclura bask off the ground but seem quite comfortable at floor level also.

Beautiful and great tempered similis!

Nice Igs Jane, It will be interesting to see how the Palearis change as they mature. Nice healthy rhino and well diposed colorful similis.
Did the big male come from the Iguana Rescue Sancutary in CT ? The name sounds familiar, If that is the big male free roamer, here's the best picture I could get of him last December. I was told that the similis are very secretive compared to the other iguanas. Do you concur ?

to growing up the palearis. They are entertaining little lizards to watch. Probably the closest I'll ever come to a bakeri. LOL

Ctolstoy did come from AJ but I don't think he's the one you saw in December. I contacted AJ about a rescue in the early spring and she picked up Ctolstoy then. After seeing the photos I expressed an interest in him at that time but AJ had decided to keep him. There was a mishap in July between Ctolstoy and AJ's husband and it was decided that he needed to be rehomed. AJ offered him to me when we visited later that month.

The little Rhino from Daytona was dehydrated and undernourished and growing back a lost tail. I just couldn't leave her behind in that 10 gallon tank. She's doing very well now and will be a beauty, I think.

I would not be surprised if the rescue rhino becomes a favorite. Who did she come from ?

Who knows what the future holds ? There are a few Bakeri's offspring out there, and if they are ever successfully breed, you have earned the reputation that might bring a surplus animal to your front door. I don't know anything, but don't rule it out completely.

The female below lives in Conneticut and has layed eggs -- she needs a mate.

John, I saw that animal this past July and I thought there is a mate being raised up... a young male named "cowboy"? I appreciate your kind comments concerning my reputation. Altho my interest in the Cyclura and Ctenos came late in life I keep them purely for the pleasure of doing it. I hope I have many years to come enjoying their company.