Reptile · Agamid
Secret toad-headed agama care guide
Phrynocephalus mystaceus
The secret toad-headed agama is a advanced-level agamid from Central Asia, NW China. Adults reach 20–25 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. Buries itself in deep, fine sand.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 75 cm
- Temp Basking 40–45°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 15–30%
How much does a secret toad-headed agama cost in Canada?
Secret toad-headed agama quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central Asia, NW China
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 75 cm (35 × 18 × 30 in, ≈ 80 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 40–45°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 15–30%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Arid desert
Secret toad-headed agama enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 75 cm (35 × 18 × 30 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a arid desert bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre8 cm
A deep, sandy mix packed firmly lets burrows hold their shape; keep only the deepest layer faintly moist. This species digs, so give it 20 cm (8 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 8 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: Basking 40–45°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 15–30%. UVB: Required.
What does a secret toad-headed agama eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy; displays mouth flaps when threatened.
Health watch: Dehydration, impaction and parasites in imports.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking temperatures; refresh water (or mist lightly for species that drink droplets).
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Lightly moisten one deep corner so burrows hold and isopods survive.
- Check rock stacks are stable.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer; replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a secret toad-headed agama bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 75 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Main soil, 20 cm mixed with sand
Canyon Sand
About 40% sand so burrows hold
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 8 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Cork Bark Half Rounds
Warm and cool retreats
Sandblasted Grapewood
Climbing and visual structure
Red Zebra Stone
Basking platform and rock crevices
Secret toad-headed agama FAQ
Is the secret toad-headed agama good for beginners?
The secret toad-headed agama is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Shy; displays mouth flaps when threatened.
What size enclosure does a secret toad-headed agama need?
At least 90 × 45 × 75 cm (about 35 × 18 × 30 inches, roughly 80 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a secret toad-headed agama cost in Canada?
Typically $200–500 CAD to buy, about $690–1230 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a secret toad-headed agama need?
Temperature: Basking 40–45°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 15–30%.
What does a secret toad-headed agama eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. 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.