Reptile · Teiid
Argentine black and white tegu care guide
Salvator merianae
The argentine black and white tegu is a advanced-level teiid from Argentina, Uruguay, S Brazil, Paraguay. Adults reach 120–140 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Very large lizard. Needs a custom enclosure and very deep soil.
- Enclosure 240 × 120 × 120 cm
- Temp Basking 45–50°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a argentine black and white tegu cost in Canada?
Argentine black and white tegu quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 120–140 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Argentina, Uruguay, S Brazil, Paraguay
- Minimum enclosure
- 240 × 120 × 120 cm (94 × 47 × 47 in, ≈ 913 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 45–50°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – whole prey, eggs, insects, fruit
- Bioactive style
- Humid terrestrial
Argentine black and white tegu enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 240 × 120 × 120 cm (94 × 47 × 47 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a humid terrestrial bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre18 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm
Deep, moist soil is what holds humidity in this build – much better than thin bedding, especially through Canadian winters. This species digs, so give it 30 cm (12 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 18 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: Basking 45–50°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Required.
What does a argentine black and white tegu eat?
Omnivore – whole prey, eggs, insects, fruit. Juveniles daily, adults 2–3 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Often very tame with consistent handling; strong bite if mishandled.
Health watch: Obesity, metabolic bone disease and respiratory infection.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check warm and cool side temperatures and humidity.
- Refresh the water bowl.
Weekly
- Mist or pour water into the substrate to keep the lower layers moist.
- Spot-clean large waste promptly.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Stir and fluff compacted topsoil around hides.
- Check heat sources and thermostat calibration.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a argentine black and white tegu bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (240 × 120 × 120 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 3 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive top layer, 12 cm
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 18 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Cypress Substrate
Optional top layer (cypress)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Tubes
Secure hides at both ends of the gradient
Malaysian Drift Wood
Sturdy enrichment for heavy-bodied animals
Argentine black and white tegu FAQ
Is the argentine black and white tegu good for beginners?
The argentine black and white tegu is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Often very tame with consistent handling; strong bite if mishandled.
What size enclosure does a argentine black and white tegu need?
At least 240 × 120 × 120 cm (about 94 × 47 × 47 inches, roughly 913 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a argentine black and white tegu cost in Canada?
Typically $300–800 CAD to buy, about $4750–8190 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $800–1400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a argentine black and white tegu need?
Temperature: Basking 45–50°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a argentine black and white tegu eat?
Omnivore – whole prey, eggs, insects, fruit. Juveniles daily, adults 2–3 times a week.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.