Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all. I am brand new to this site, but my husband has been using it for his dart frogs for a couple years, so I know there are a lot of knowledgeable and experienced people on these boards. Ok, here's the situation: The newest member of the family is a Gold Tegu. We are a herp-friendly household who takes pet care seriously and responsibly, so (s)he got a good place to live. But, we have not had a lizard before. Snakes and frogs; yes; but never a lizard. So my first question (of many for sure) is what can I expect this guy's growth rate to be? I am told that (s)he's about a year old now, and about 15 inches long (nose to tip of tail). I know that among the others, this one was kind of the "runt" of the bunch. (S)he's also much calmer than the others were. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that the guy who sold it to me wasn't nearly as informed on this species as he would have liked to let on, so the background research comes down to me. And I'm just wondering what a rough growth rate estimate is, although I'm aware that it is dependent partly on the diet and enclosure.
Thanks...
Jenn.

The gold tegu is technically a Colombian Gold-Phased Black Tegu.

If it isn't 'runted' due to improper feeding, improper lighting, etc. It can reach 2.5 to 3.5 feet. Averaging 3 feet.

You can find a caresheet Here.

If you have a question and I am not available you can contact me below.

Rick
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The Tegu Community - theTegu.com

Thanks for the reply. The Tegu site, BTW, is one that I have been on a lot lately. That care sheet is probably the most thorough I have found. And the book featured by Bartlett is on it's way to me, too.

But I was looking for a general age range at which it should reach 3+ feet though. At what point year-wise is it considered a juvenile or adult, roughly?
Thanks!
Jenn.