Reptile · Plated lizard
Giant plated lizard care guide
Matobosaurus validus
The giant plated lizard is a intermediate-level plated lizard from Southern Africa. Adults reach 50–70 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Rock-dwelling giant; build a large rocky enclosure.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 90 cm
- Temp Basking 40°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a giant plated lizard cost in Canada?
Giant plated lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 50–70 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southern Africa
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 90 cm (59 × 24 × 35 in, ≈ 214 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 40°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – roaches, greens, fruit, flowers
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Giant plated lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 60 × 90 cm (59 × 24 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend15 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 40°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a giant plated lizard eat?
Omnivore – roaches, greens, fruit, flowers. Adults 3 times a week, juveniles daily, greens offered daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm once settled.
Health watch: Obesity and metabolic bone disease.
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 giant plated lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 60 × 90 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 15 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
Giant plated lizard FAQ
Is the giant plated lizard good for beginners?
The giant plated lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm once settled.
What size enclosure does a giant plated lizard need?
At least 150 × 60 × 90 cm (about 59 × 24 × 35 inches, roughly 214 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a giant plated lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $1370–2430 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $350–550 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a giant plated lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 40°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a giant plated lizard eat?
Omnivore – roaches, greens, fruit, flowers. Adults 3 times a week, juveniles daily, greens offered 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.