Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, and greetings from the UK. I am looking for some info on spiney tailed iguanas (ctenosaura), things like lifespan, breeding ages etc etc. In fact as much info as possible please

Thanks in advance

Fixx

3 I. iguana
2 C. nubila nubila
and a host of other scaleys

You won't find much info that is not written in German. For some reason the germans discovered how popular these unique lizards can be.

My experience is with Cten similis (13 years), palearis (12 years), and pectinata (1 1/2 years.

The only generalizations I feel qualified to state are that they like high basking zones (130 F on the basking surface), they don't seem to eat greens for me until they are about 9 months to a year old, and that it's probably best to keep them as undisturbed as possible until they are 9 months to a year old before starting taming. My juvvie similis (who inhabits a glass enclosure on an end table - I get a lot of observation time and he does not feel the need to hide from me, like eating/drinking at night.) gobbles down two zoophobas and then goes straight to the basking spot and actually nestles his stomach flat and wide on the glass, getting the most out of his available heat.

I suspect this guy could use warmer basking surfaces, but higher temps than I already have worry me. Does anyone have a Cten who likes 140 F?

They are relatively strong by then, but taming younger ones seems to me to put more negative than positive into their lives.

I had one C. quinqueceterina (spelling) but the God-cursed thermostat failed in the always-on mode. If only I had noticed it sooner It was terrible to find him dead in his convulsed position. He was a grumpy, stressed WC from Honduras. i was really looking forward to bringing him out of his change-related stress.

I wish there were more US interest in this species and the many Ctens that are out there. Then we could have CB specimens.

I may try mating C similis. I wouldn't make any money at it, but at least my lizards could reduce the supply of imported WC's. Maybe some on this list are already doing that.

Roger

Hello Roger, have you had any experiences of C. conspicuosa *San Estaban Spineys* and haveyou any idea how to identify the different species/sub species from each other please?

Hi,
I noticed you said in a recent Kingsnake post you had Similis experience. We have a(first time)gravid 22" female, no male,and I'm trying to find out info on proper nesting box/site, so she won't get eggbound. I posted a message yesterday (jbrom75920)but haven't received anything yet. If you receive this, I sure would appreciate any help you can give us...(see my post for specifics), we are really attached to her, rescued her as a baby from a pet store, and raised her to this point...can you help??!!
Thanks, Jack, email JBrom75920@msn.com