Reptile · Agamid
Brown pricklenape care guide
Acanthosaura lepidogaster
The brown pricklenape is a intermediate-level agamid from S China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand. Adults reach 25–30 cm and live 8–10 years in captivity. Keep under 28°C with a water dish big enough to soak.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 90 cm
- Temp 22–27°C, basking 29°C
- Humidity 70–85%
How much does a brown pricklenape cost in Canada?
Brown pricklenape quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- S China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 90 cm (35 × 18 × 35 in, ≈ 96 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 22–27°C, basking 29°C
- Humidity
- 70–85%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Brown 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: 22–27°C, basking 29°C. Humidity: 70–85%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a brown pricklenape eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Often sold as mountain horned dragon; calm with time.
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 brown 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
Brown pricklenape FAQ
Is the brown pricklenape good for beginners?
The brown pricklenape is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Often sold as mountain horned dragon; calm with time.
What size enclosure does a brown 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 brown pricklenape cost in Canada?
Typically $60–150 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 brown pricklenape need?
Temperature: 22–27°C, basking 29°C. Humidity: 70–85%.
What does a brown 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.