Reptile · Alligator lizard
Texas alligator lizard care guide
Gerrhonotus infernalis
The texas alligator lizard is a intermediate-level alligator lizard from Central Texas, NE Mexico. Adults reach 40–60 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Largest North American alligator lizard; prehensile tail.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 32–35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a texas alligator lizard cost in Canada?
Texas alligator lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 40–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central Texas, NE Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 32–35°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – roaches, crickets, pinkies
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Texas alligator lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. 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 32–35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a texas alligator lizard eat?
Carnivore – roaches, crickets, pinkies. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Can tame but bites hard.
Health watch: Tail loss 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 texas alligator 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
Texas alligator lizard FAQ
Is the texas alligator lizard good for beginners?
The texas alligator lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Can tame but bites hard.
What size enclosure does a texas alligator lizard need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a texas alligator lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $150–350 CAD to buy, about $910–1640 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a texas alligator lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 32–35°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a texas alligator lizard eat?
Carnivore – roaches, crickets, pinkies. 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.