Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! Can anyone tells me the difference between the two tegus? I mean in appearance? I always want to have a giant tegu which is good in temperment, however I am confused with the two tegus. Thanks!

This has been debated for some time as far as appearance. In reds, the paraguayans tend to be a brownish red, though I have seen very little difference between the 2 in appearance. This also holds true for black & whites. Temperaments? It is my experience as well that as long as they are CB, you will find very little, if any difference. As with these tegus, it depends on the individual tegu and time spent with them.

Good luck!

Greg

Thanks for the quick reply! Greg. I have some more questions for you. My question is that if I see a red tegu for sale and the seller doesn't know the tegu is Argentine or Paraquary, so I can't tell which is which by appearance, right? Also, when you mention there may be some temperment difference between Argentine B & W and Paraquary B & W, which one will be tamer? I understand my question is tricky as I know the more often I handle it the tamer it gets, but there may be still some difference. Sorry for my question, but I want to know more about them before I make my purchase. Thanks!

Not a problem! I'm sorry if I confused you a bit. I have not seen any temperment difference between the paraguayan and the argentines to be truthful. As far as appearance, I have not seen either between the B&W's. Some say the red paraguayan reds tend to be more brownish red, though I have seen paraguayan reds that are deep bright red too with no difference in appearance between the argentine and paraguayan. What I meant to say about the temperaments is that each tegu is different and there will be mean argentines and mean paraguayans; and also super tame both as well. There are 2 paraguayan reds on the classifieds here and have personally seen (under exotic & aquatic) at a show here in Michigan. The are beautiful and very healthy!
The littler one is a bit skittish, but not too bad. The larger one is pretty gentle. They also had one in between sizes that I was going to get, but decided not too; then got home and called them to say I wanted it after all..........it was sold. LOL

I also know they will reduce their price a bit too!:0)

Here's a pic of Rex our paraguayan B&W. A real sweetie. He and Tamika were used at edcuation shows at schools and daycares. They are super sweet and very curious about their environment. LOL. Can a difference be seen between this paraguayan and an arg.????

Greg

2 Paraguayan B&W's and 2 Argentine Reds

Wow! They are nice! Thanks for sharing your pictures with me!
As far as I can tell, I can't see any difference.

I noticed one thing from your last picture. Is that Paraguary always has the black patch behind it's front arms and they are more banded in appearance when compare with red tegu?

How big the cage you are using? Your settings is good! I have to copy some of your ideas into my tegu cage too.

Hi again! The cage is an "L" shape. One leg is 55" x 33" x 22" high. The other leg is 17.5" wide x 62" long and the same ht.
I switched to topsoil as a substrate a few weeks ago and they seem to like it better. I have the moist cocconut (in a expandable brick) in their hide-spots. When it's not covered in dirt (LOL), I have 2 slate/tile pieces under their bask spot to create a full-bodied heating effect. Rollin on here also has been doing thesame thing. I have heavier stepping stones for the tops of their hidespots, supported by bricks.

I tried placing a plant in there for decoration.............forget that.........they dug it all up! LOL

Any more questions, just ask!

Greg

I seriously think I'm going to try the top soil.
Looks good! What are the sexes?
Take care,
Karen

Hi Karen! Thanks for your comments! Rex is a male, Tamika, female (B&W's) Ruby is the red female and Ozzy is questionable.
Ozzy was suppose to be a male, though I have been unable to locate spurs. We've had him/her the longest, but may need to gain a bit mor ewt to determine the sex, or a vet trip will have to determine it. :0) The previous owners of ozzy said he was a male and they went by the tail base and head size when he/she was a baby/juvie, thus we can say that definitely is an inaccurate sex determination for tegus. LOL

Take real good care Karen!

Greg

Another question? If Ozzy was a male, wouldn't Ozzy and Rex fight? May be an indication Ozzy might be a female. I just thought you couldn't put the males together. I have one male for sure but iffy on the smaller one. I'd love to put them together but I'm afraid of the possible outcome. I would have the smaller one sexed but it isn't really handable yet (if ever).
What do ya think?
Take care,
Karen

Very good question! I have heard reports that tegus, even males can live together and this of course is subjective and opinion on who you talk to. Since the 2 females are present this could create the positve difference, versus having only 1 female with 2 males. As of currently, the males (if the red turns out
to be) are fine together. Though I pay clsoe attention to thei behavior towards each other, etc. So far, no problems have occurred and hopefully none will, even if it turns out t obe a male.

Greg

Hi Greg,
Got another question. Do you know of anyone who has two males housed together without a female present? I have two males but have never really considered putting them together but I am curious if someone out there has tried this. If I could do that I could increase the size of the one enclosure and have a nicer set up. Just wonderin!
Take care,
Karen

as far as apperance i din't know of any difference but what should be taken under consideration is that argentine tegus are always c/b, paraquary may be w/c. the best way to be sure is to get one from a reputable breeder.

Excellent point Nick! I agree, as with any tegu CB is a must!!!

Greg