Reptile · Girdled lizard
Cape girdled lizard care guide
Cordylus cordylus
The cape girdled lizard is a intermediate-level girdled lizard from Southern South Africa. Adults reach 15–20 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Stacked rock crevices are essential.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 35–40°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a cape girdled lizard cost in Canada?
Cape girdled lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southern South Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Basking 35–40°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, mealworms
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Cape girdled lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 35–40°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a cape girdled lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, mealworms. Adults 3 times a week, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Wedges into crevices; brief handling only.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and obesity.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a cape girdled lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Cape girdled lizard FAQ
Is the cape girdled lizard good for beginners?
The cape girdled lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Wedges into crevices; brief handling only.
What size enclosure does a cape girdled lizard need?
At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a cape girdled lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $200–500 CAD to buy, about $520–970 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a cape girdled lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 35–40°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a cape girdled lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, mealworms. Adults 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.