Reptile · Agamid
Starred agama care guide
Stellagama stellio
The starred agama is a intermediate-level agamid from Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East. Adults reach 25–35 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Rock-climber; build a tall rock wall. One male per enclosure.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 30–40%
How much does a starred agama cost in Canada?
Starred agama quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 25–35 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 30–40%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – crickets, roaches, greens
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Starred agama enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 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: 30–40%. UVB: Required.
What does a starred agama eat?
Omnivore – crickets, roaches, greens. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy at first but can become tame.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and parasites in imports.
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 starred agama bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 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
Starred agama FAQ
Is the starred agama good for beginners?
The starred agama is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy at first but can become tame.
What size enclosure does a starred agama need?
At least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (about 35 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a starred agama cost in Canada?
Typically $150–350 CAD to buy, about $660–1220 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a starred agama need?
Temperature: Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–40%.
What does a starred agama eat?
Omnivore – crickets, roaches, 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.