Reptile · Lacertid
Gran Canaria giant lizard care guide
Gallotia stehlini
The gran canaria giant lizard is a advanced-level lacertid from Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. Adults reach 60–80 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Big, mostly herbivorous lacertid needing a large enclosure.
- Enclosure 180 × 90 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 40–45°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a gran canaria giant lizard cost in Canada?
Gran Canaria giant lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 60–80 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
- Minimum enclosure
- 180 × 90 × 60 cm (71 × 35 × 24 in, ≈ 257 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 40–45°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – greens, fruit, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Gran Canaria giant lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 180 × 90 × 60 cm (71 × 35 × 24 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 40–45°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a gran canaria giant lizard eat?
Omnivore – greens, fruit, roaches. Greens daily and insects 2–3 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Powerful bite; tames slowly.
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 gran canaria giant lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (180 × 90 × 60 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
Gran Canaria giant lizard FAQ
Is the gran Canaria giant lizard good for beginners?
The gran Canaria giant lizard is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Powerful bite; tames slowly.
What size enclosure does a gran Canaria giant lizard need?
At least 180 × 90 × 60 cm (about 71 × 35 × 24 inches, roughly 257 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a gran Canaria giant lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $400–1000 CAD to buy, about $1730–2980 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $450–700 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a gran Canaria giant lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 40–45°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a gran Canaria giant lizard eat?
Omnivore – greens, fruit, roaches. Greens daily and insects 2–3 times a week.
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.