Reptile · Iguanid
Plumed basilisk care guide
Basiliscus plumifrons
The plumed basilisk is a intermediate-level iguanid from Central America. Adults reach 60–90 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Needs a big water dish. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 120 cm
- Temp Basking 32–35°C, ambient 26°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a plumed basilisk cost in Canada?
Plumed basilisk quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 60–90 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central America
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 120 cm (47 × 24 × 47 in, ≈ 228 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 32–35°C, ambient 26°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, superworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Plumed basilisk enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 120 cm (47 × 24 × 47 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 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: Basking 32–35°C, ambient 26°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Required.
What does a plumed basilisk eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, superworms. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Very skittish and prone to glass-running; a display lizard.
Health watch: Snout rub injuries, metabolic bone disease and stress.
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 plumed basilisk bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 120 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 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
Plumed basilisk FAQ
Is the plumed basilisk good for beginners?
The plumed basilisk is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Very skittish and prone to glass-running; a display lizard.
What size enclosure does a plumed basilisk need?
At least 120 × 60 × 120 cm (about 47 × 24 × 47 inches, roughly 228 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a plumed basilisk cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $1630–2800 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $350–550 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a plumed basilisk need?
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, ambient 26°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a plumed basilisk eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, superworms. 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.