Scientific
Name: Uromastyx acanthinurus Origin: Northern Africa Size: 15 - 17" (medium sized
lizard) Life Span: approximately 20 years
*They are one of
the most variably and beautiful colored Uros,
comes in a variety of spectacular colors, such
as red, orange, green or yellow; they are also
one of the hardiest breed species, long-lived,
survived for more than 20 years.*
Habitat A 60gal or larger aquarium,
or similar terrarium, is recommended for single
animals. Pairs and small breed groups require a
cage that measures at least 4 x 2 x 2 feet. Desert
terrarium. They are inveterate tunnelers, a times
constructing home burrows of 10ft or more in lenght.
The burrows are often begun amidst rocks or near
the root mass of a low shrub. So, place rocks on
tank bottom so this burrower is not crushed as it
tunnels through its substrate. When the lizards
are "at home", they often plug the burrow
with loose earth to help prevent moisture loss inside
the burrow. Sociability A male may be kept with
one to three females all year. The pores of the
males tend to be larger than those of the females. Food
Basic herbivorous diet. Greens, grasses hays, alfalfa,
dried lentils, dries and fresh peas, birdseed. Although
most spiny-tails show great interest in, and will
readily consume crickets and other insect, avoid
insect food because of potential health problems.
Insect should only be provided as a treat only,
not a regular component of the diet. Water
In the wild, the majority of the water required
by these lizards is acquired from the vegetation
they consume. Captive uros will drink from a flat
dish, It may be necessary to limit water access
to control humidity. Care should be taken that the
substrate does not become wet if the lizards walk
though their water supply. In fact, to help preclude
the possibility of respiratory ailments (often associated
with abnormally high humidity and lower than optimum
temperatures), always take all reasonable precautions
to assure a low care humidity for all species of
spiny-tails. Lighting
They need a desert terrarium, with a high-illumination
level and UV-B availably, with basking point of
46°C.
