Reptile · Agamid
Green crested lizard care guide
Bronchocela cristatella
The green crested lizard is a advanced-level agamid from Southeast Asia. Adults reach 50–60 cm (mostly tail) and live 4–8 years in captivity. Needs dense planting and tall, thin perches.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 90 cm
- Temp 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a green crested lizard cost in Canada?
Green crested lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 50–60 cm (mostly tail)
- Lifespan
- 4–8 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southeast Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, flies
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Green crested lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 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: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Required.
What does a green crested lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, flies. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Very nervous; display only.
Health watch: Stress, dehydration 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 green crested lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 90 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 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
Green crested lizard FAQ
Is the green crested lizard good for beginners?
The green crested lizard is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Very nervous; display only.
What size enclosure does a green crested lizard need?
At least 60 × 45 × 90 cm (about 24 × 18 × 35 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a green crested lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $790–1380 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a green crested lizard need?
Temperature: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a green crested lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, flies. Adults every 2 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.