Reptile · Iguanid
Rhinoceros iguana care guide
Cyclura cornuta
The rhinoceros iguana is a expert-level iguanid from Hispaniola. Adults reach 100–135 cm and live 25–40 years in captivity. Room-sized enclosure needed. Captive-bred with CITES paperwork only.
- Enclosure 300 × 150 × 120 cm
- Temp Basking 45–50°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a rhinoceros iguana cost in Canada?
Rhinoceros iguana quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 100–135 cm
- Lifespan
- 25–40 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Hispaniola
- Minimum enclosure
- 300 × 150 × 120 cm (118 × 59 × 47 in, ≈ 1427 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 45–50°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Herbivore – leafy greens, squash, flowers, pellets
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Rhinoceros iguana enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 300 × 150 × 120 cm (118 × 59 × 47 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 45–50°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a rhinoceros iguana eat?
Herbivore – leafy greens, squash, flowers, pellets. Fresh greens daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Can be very tame but strong and territorial as adults.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease, kidney disease 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 rhinoceros iguana bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (300 × 150 × 120 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
Rhinoceros iguana FAQ
Is the rhinoceros iguana good for beginners?
No – the rhinoceros iguana is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Can be very tame but strong and territorial as adults.
What size enclosure does a rhinoceros iguana need?
At least 300 × 150 × 120 cm (about 118 × 59 × 47 inches, roughly 1427 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a rhinoceros iguana cost in Canada?
Typically $1500–4000 CAD to buy, about $6570–11580 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $800–1400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a rhinoceros iguana need?
Temperature: Basking 45–50°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a rhinoceros iguana eat?
Herbivore – leafy greens, squash, flowers, pellets. Fresh greens 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.