Reptile · Agamid
Black-necked agama care guide
Acanthocercus atricollis
The black-necked agama is a intermediate-level agamid from East and Southern Africa. Adults reach 30–35 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Semi-arboreal; give thick branches and rock perches.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 90 cm
- Temp Basking 38–40°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a black-necked agama cost in Canada?
Black-necked agama quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 30–35 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- East and Southern Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 90 cm (47 × 24 × 35 in, ≈ 171 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 38–40°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Black-necked agama enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 90 cm (47 × 24 × 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: Basking 38–40°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a black-necked agama eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Wary; can be defensive.
Health watch: Parasites in imports and metabolic bone disease.
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 black-necked agama bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 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
Black-necked agama FAQ
Is the black-necked agama good for beginners?
The black-necked agama is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Wary; can be defensive.
What size enclosure does a black-necked agama need?
At least 120 × 60 × 90 cm (about 47 × 24 × 35 inches, roughly 171 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a black-necked agama cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $1380–2350 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–450 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a black-necked agama need?
Temperature: Basking 38–40°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a black-necked agama eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2 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.