Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello;

I have been doing some research on Uromastyx for the past week or so. Recently I have had the poor fortune of having my 75gallon planted freshwater tank crash on me (Heater broke over a weekend, killing 90% of the fish in there) and I have decided to convert it to a reptile enclosure. After much debate between Uros and Beardies, I have settled on uros because they do not eat live food.

I presently also have a 12-year old leopard gecko and I used to have a Veiled chameleon. Between those and my aquarium experience, I feel rather experienced in caring for exotic animals. I have also read a variety of caresheets for the uromastyx and have a fair idea of the requirements of the enclosure.

Here are my questions:
First, I have noticed a vast amount of variation in the coloration of these animals. I am aware that some species are more colorful than others, and that males tend to be more colorful than females. I'd like to get a fairly colorful specimen...is this something you can determine at a young age, or is it luck? Ornates and Saharans seem to be particularly colorful and tame. Is this always true?

My second question is regarding lighting. I plan to re-use 48" my flourescent fixture with UVB bulbs as the primary source of light. I'd also like to use a mercury vapor light as the heat source. Is this simply a bulb type or does it also require a specialized fixture? Also, being that I am using a glass tank which is tall-ish (2ft) will a Uro climb a piece of driftwood or elevated slate to thermoregulate? Most enclosures I've seen have been quite flat.

Sorry about the long post. Thanks for any help you offer.

Well IMO coloration is a personal preference, so its really a matter of what you like. If you are into the solid bright colors, than a male yellow are red Saharan/geyeri may be more up your alley. If you like the prismatic blues and greens on a neat pattern, then the ornate would be a good choice. You are correct, the males of all the uro species (with the possible exception of the egyptian uro, which are pretty drab even as adults but are huge and usually have good temperaments)are more colorful than females. From what I have seen, female ornates are probably the most colorful female species. As far as determining male from female at an early age, it ususally is hard to do and most breeders probably cannot guarantee sex of babies. You may want to shop around and spend the extra money for an adult in that case to know what you are getting in terms of sex and coloration.

As far as the mercury vapor light, you need to make sure the light dome is rated for the power. Most of the commerical dome lights made for reptiles have ceramic bases which can handle the heat generated. A cheapo plastic base would melt. So, go with a ceramic based dome fixture and make sure it can handle the wattage of the light bulb you plan to use.

I think elevated basking spots are great. First, you can use a less powerful bulb in general as the uro will be able to get closer to the ideal basking temp, or further, as desired. Instead of having to use a 150 watt bulb to get the basking temp to 120 degrees at the bottom of the tank, you may only need to use a 100 watt or less bulb to get the basking temp to 120 degrees neared to the bulb. The elevated basking spots can also act as hides. Breeders of small monitors use a stack hide which consists of several levels of boards each separated by an inch or so so the lizards can chose what level/temp to be at and still be secure and hidden.

I am by no means a uro expert, but hopefully this info will help. In general, uros are not the pet lizards that bearded dragons and leopard geckos are known to be. Some uros never acclimate to handling, nor is it good to keep them away from their heat sources for long periods of time. They are not sit and hold while watching TV for an hour lizards. If thats what you are looking for, I would suggest a bearded dragon. With all the morphs available, you can get some very bright colored beardeds. Also, my bearded dragon is accustomed to eating canned insects along with greens, so I never really have buy live feeders.