Scientific name

Iguana iguana

The green iguana is a large arboreal lizard. Its long tail, claws and strength require the habitat and movement arrangements to be designed around its adult size [1].

Origin

Tropical America, from Mexico to South America, with a complex taxonomic history depending on the population [4].

  • Arboreal
  • Herbivorous
  • Large-bodied

At a glance

ADULT SIZE≈ 1–1,5 m
Approximately 1–1,5 m; large males reach 1,8 m, including the tail [1].
LIFESPAN10 to 15 years
10–15 years according to VCA; individuals aged 25 years have been reported [1].
LIFESTYLEArboreal
Arboreal life with movement on the ground [1] [2].

Adult size

Approximately 1–1,5 m; large males reach 1,8 m, including the tail [1].

Adult weight

Chicago Exotics reports adult males reaching 20 pounds, approximately 9 kg; this is not a target weight. [5] Scope: a reported maximum in some adult males, not an average weight.

Lifespan

10–15 years according to VCA; individuals aged 25 years have been reported [1].

Lifestyle

Arboreal life with movement on the ground [1] [2].

Housing

A HABITAT FOR A LARGE ADULT

Space and sturdy branches — VCA distinguishes horizontal areas for moving around from vertical supports for climbing and basking. Provide appropriately sized, sturdy branches, secure them and maintain access for cleaning: a small starter terrarium is not an adult habitat [2].

VCA distinguishes horizontal areas for moving around from vertical supports for climbing and basking. Provide appropriately sized, sturdy branches, secure them and maintain access for cleaning: a small starter terrarium is not an adult habitat [2].

Care parameters

HEAT AND LIGHT

Thermal gradient and UVB — Thermal gradient and access to UVB [2] Measure at the perches actually used; guard heat sources to prevent direct contact.

Humidity

To be documented — The profile gives no humidity value. This still needs to be documented before setting up the enclosure.

Heat and light

Thermal gradient and access to UVB [2] Measure at the perches actually used; guard heat sources to prevent direct contact.

Dimensions

A setup suited to the adult [2] This overview gives no single numerical minimum; have the plan reviewed before acquiring the animal.

Night — the clinic’s reference

Chicago Exotics suggests approximately 27–29 °C at night (80–85 °F). [5] Scope: captivity; Chicago Exotics guidance. A reported limit is not a target or an established physiological threshold.

Feeding

A FOUNDATION OF LEAVES

The iguana is herbivorous, with a diet largely based on leaves. VCA emphasises the importance of varied plant foods; fruit and flowers should not replace this foundation [3]. Develop the nutritional plan alongside the lighting and growth conditions.

Feeding

The iguana is herbivorous, with a diet largely based on leaves. VCA emphasises the importance of varied plant foods; fruit and flowers should not replace this foundation [3]. Develop the nutritional plan alongside the lighting and growth conditions.

Behaviour and precautions

An adult can become territorial and inflict bites or scratches. Plan safe handling procedures and transport in advance; an animal of this size requires real experience with reptiles [1].

Daily monitoring

Keep weight measurements, foods eaten and changes in behaviour. Add the habitat dimensions and lamp-replacement dates to maintain a useful record as the animal grows.

Adult weight: read the context

Chicago Exotics reports adult males reaching 20 pounds, approximately 9 kg; this is not a target weight. [5] Scope: a reported maximum in some adult males, not an average weight.

Individual monitoring must take age, sex and body condition into account; a published maximum does not provide an ideal weight.

Checklist

  • Plan the adult habitat and its maintenance.
  • Secure large perches.
  • Organise transport before an emergency occurs.

Observations to record

  • Meals
  • Weight
  • Sheds
  • Activity
  • Lighting

The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.

Related guides

Original guides in French

Sources

Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.

  1. VCA Animal Hospitals — Iguanas: Owning
    Source accessed
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals — Iguanas: Housing
    Source accessed
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals — Iguanas: Feeding
    Source accessed
  4. The Reptile Database — Iguana iguana
    Source accessed
  5. Green Iguana Care — Susan Horton, DVM
    Source accessed