Reptile · Teiid
Caiman lizard care guide
Dracaena guianensis
The caiman lizard is a advanced-level teiid from Amazon basin. Adults reach 90–120 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Needs a huge enclosure with deep water. Advanced keepers only.
- Enclosure 240 × 120 × 120 cm
- Temp Basking 38°C, water 26°C
- Humidity 70–80%
How much does a caiman lizard cost in Canada?
Caiman lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 90–120 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Amazon basin
- Minimum enclosure
- 240 × 120 × 120 cm (94 × 47 × 47 in, ≈ 913 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 38°C, water 26°C
- Humidity
- 70–80%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Carnivore – snails, crayfish, fish, whole prey
- Bioactive style
- Semi-aquatic (paludarium)
Caiman lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 240 × 120 × 120 cm (94 × 47 × 47 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-aquatic (paludarium) bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Quantities assume about half the floor is land. The water half needs a filter and regular partial water changes.
Temperature: Basking 38°C, water 26°C. Humidity: 70–80%. UVB: Required.
What does a caiman lizard eat?
Carnivore – snails, crayfish, fish, whole prey. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Can calm down in captivity but has a strong bite.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease, poor water quality and obesity.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check water and air temperature; feed according to species.
Weekly
- Change 20–30% of the water with dechlorinated water.
- Rinse filter sponge in old tank water (never tap water) as needed.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter on land; prune plants at the waterline.
Yearly
- Service the pump/filter fully.
Recommended for a caiman lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (240 × 120 × 120 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Almond Leaves Dried 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Malaysian Drift Wood
Bridges water and land; easy exit from the water
Cork Bark Flats
Shelter on the land section
Caiman lizard FAQ
Is the caiman lizard good for beginners?
The caiman lizard is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Can calm down in captivity but has a strong bite.
What size enclosure does a caiman lizard 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 caiman lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $1000–2500 CAD to buy, about $4090–7360 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $900–1500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a caiman lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 38°C, water 26°C. Humidity: 70–80%.
What does a caiman lizard eat?
Carnivore – snails, crayfish, fish, whole prey. Adults 2–3 times a week, 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.