Reptile · Iguanid
Helmeted iguana care guide
Corytophanes cristatus
The helmeted iguana is a expert-level iguanid from Mexico to Colombia. Adults reach 30–35 cm and live 5–10 years in captivity. Cool, humid, heavily planted build; mostly wild-caught, so check for parasites.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 90 cm
- Temp 24–28°C, basking 30°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a helmeted iguana cost in Canada?
Helmeted iguana quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 30–35 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Mexico to Colombia
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C, basking 30°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, caterpillars, crickets
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Helmeted iguana 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: 24–28°C, basking 30°C. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a helmeted iguana eat?
Insectivore – roaches, caterpillars, crickets. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Sit-and-wait lizard; very sensitive to stress.
Health watch: 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 helmeted iguana 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
Helmeted iguana FAQ
Is the helmeted iguana good for beginners?
No – the helmeted iguana is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Sit-and-wait lizard; very sensitive to stress.
What size enclosure does a helmeted iguana 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 helmeted iguana cost in Canada?
Typically $200–500 CAD to buy, about $770–1350 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a helmeted iguana need?
Temperature: 24–28°C, basking 30°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a helmeted iguana eat?
Insectivore – roaches, caterpillars, crickets. Adults every 2–3 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.