Reptile · Plated lizard
Madagascar plated lizard care guide
Zonosaurus madagascariensis
The madagascar plated lizard is a intermediate-level plated lizard from Madagascar. Adults reach 35–50 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Ground-dwelling and diggy; deep soil with leaf litter.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 38°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a madagascar plated lizard cost in Canada?
Madagascar plated lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 35–50 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Madagascar
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 38°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – roaches, crickets, fruit
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Madagascar plated lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 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 38°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Required.
What does a madagascar plated lizard eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, fruit. Adults 3 times a week, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually docile.
Health watch: Parasites in imports 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 madagascar plated lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 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
Madagascar plated lizard FAQ
Is the madagascar plated lizard good for beginners?
The madagascar plated lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Usually docile.
What size enclosure does a madagascar plated lizard need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a madagascar plated lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $100–250 CAD to buy, about $970–1710 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–450 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a madagascar plated lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 38°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a madagascar plated lizard eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, fruit. 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.