Reptile · Agamid
Armoured pricklenape care guide
Acanthosaura armata
The armoured pricklenape is a intermediate-level agamid from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia. Adults reach 30–35 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Keep cool and humid with plenty of cover.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 90 cm
- Temp 23–27°C, basking 29°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a armoured pricklenape cost in Canada?
Armoured pricklenape quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 30–35 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 90 cm (35 × 18 × 35 in, ≈ 96 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 23–27°C, basking 29°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Armoured pricklenape enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 90 cm (35 × 18 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 23–27°C, basking 29°C. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a armoured pricklenape eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm once settled; brief handling.
Health watch: Heat stress and parasites in imports.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a armoured pricklenape bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 90 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Armoured pricklenape FAQ
Is the armoured pricklenape good for beginners?
The armoured pricklenape is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm once settled; brief handling.
What size enclosure does a armoured pricklenape need?
At least 90 × 45 × 90 cm (about 35 × 18 × 35 inches, roughly 96 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a armoured pricklenape cost in Canada?
Typically $100–250 CAD to buy, about $1010–1720 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a armoured pricklenape need?
Temperature: 23–27°C, basking 29°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a armoured pricklenape eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
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.