Reptile · Iguanid
Madagascar spiny-tailed iguana care guide
Oplurus cyclurus
The madagascar spiny-tailed iguana is a intermediate-level iguanid from Southern Madagascar. Adults reach 25–30 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Rock and log crevices sized for it to wedge into.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a madagascar spiny-tailed iguana cost in Canada?
Madagascar spiny-tailed iguana quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southern Madagascar
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, some greens
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Madagascar spiny-tailed iguana enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a madagascar spiny-tailed iguana eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, some greens. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Wary; prefers hiding in crevices.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and parasites.
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 spiny-tailed iguana bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 12 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 spiny-tailed iguana FAQ
Is the madagascar spiny-tailed iguana good for beginners?
The madagascar spiny-tailed iguana is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Wary; prefers hiding in crevices.
What size enclosure does a madagascar spiny-tailed iguana need?
At least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (about 35 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a madagascar spiny-tailed iguana cost in Canada?
Typically $150–350 CAD to buy, about $680–1240 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a madagascar spiny-tailed iguana need?
Temperature: Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a madagascar spiny-tailed iguana eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, some greens. 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.