Reptile · Lacertid
Tenerife lizard care guide
Gallotia galloti
The tenerife lizard is a intermediate-level lacertid from Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands. Adults reach 25–40 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Largely herbivorous as adults; offer greens and flowers.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 40°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a tenerife lizard cost in Canada?
Tenerife lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 25–40 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Basking 40°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – greens, fruit, roaches, crickets
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Tenerife lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 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 Blend12 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 40°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a tenerife lizard eat?
Omnivore – greens, fruit, roaches, crickets. Greens daily and insects 3 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm once settled.
Health watch: Metabolic bone 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 tenerife lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 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
Tenerife lizard FAQ
Is the tenerife lizard good for beginners?
The tenerife lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Usually calm once settled.
What size enclosure does a tenerife lizard need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a tenerife lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $930–1670 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–450 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a tenerife lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 40°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a tenerife lizard eat?
Omnivore – greens, fruit, roaches, crickets. Greens daily and insects 3 times a week.
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.