Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was recently at the pet store and saw an animal called a Spiny Tailed Iguana. I have some interest in it because it is something new to me. What could you guys say about the animal from your experiences with them? I have owned a Green Iguana before, so I assume there are "some" similarities. At the moment I have mostly all the caging required for a juvenile, except for possibly a light.
What kind of things do they eat? What sort of temperment do they have? Anything you could say would be great, even if it is trying to push me away from it. I have owned several lizards so I have some idea of their needs. I have a Bearded Dragon (used to have two), and a Leapord Gecko. I also used to have a Mountain Horned Dragon, which probably was a bad buy on my part because I didn't realize the problems those animals had (from being forced into the pet trade from their homes and such).

Thank you for any help you provide.

i would be careful import ctenos. are tough to acclimate heavally parisited stressed and dehydrated and mean (if that matters to you) also depeneds on what type most likely c.pardalis or c.similis both are fine animals similis grow fairly large 3 to 4ft. pardalis around 18in to 30in most ctenos. like it a little dryer and hotter than greens and a little more protine atleast when young. a large cage is a must as is plenty of hide spots and uvb lighting. but anyone who has a positive experiance with these animals will tell you there is'nt a better reptile. choose wisely and do your homework if the animal in question is a good canidate i would say get it if your not sure i would wait and a chance to get a c.b or l.t.c will pop up. well its up to you. i don't think i would ever try to talk a person intrested in reptiles out of owening one you'll get enough of that from famliy and friends who don't understand the "sickness" but to get into it prepared and ready for the commentment good luck. chris

What is c.pardalis?

Thanks
tim

ctenosaura pardalis is a cross between a spineytailed iguana and a panther chameleon and lepoard tortoise. i was thinking palearis and got my names confused. anyway most likely c.palearis c.quinquecarinata, both kinds of dwarf or club tailed iguanas sorry for the mix up. on another note what kind do you keep? was that your pardalis ha. i seen that pic in the classafieds female right? did you buy or are you selling? do you keep any others? i've never kept any dwarws but some are very interesting. talk to ya chris

I have had that female C. melanosterna for about three years. In the past I have kept melanosterna and several others but I am now working with a few other small lizards and frogs.
thanks,
tim