Ctenosaura similis (Black iguana)

Ctenosaura similis (Black iguana)

Age: Around 5 years old
Origin: Central America
Length: 80 to 100 centimeters
Black iguanas are large iguanas that are mainly black, but they can also have black rings on a gray background. In UV light they can change color and more yellow and orange accents emerge.

Care:
Experience: Experienced lizard keeper
Food: herbivore
Feed adult: 3-5 times a week
Feed young: Daily
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: Daily

Power supply
The diet of a Black Iguana consists mainly of leafy vegetables and fruit. The main component of the diet should consist of vegetables and can be supplemented with small amounts of fruit. Examples of vegetables that can be fed are cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, turnip greens, kale, watercress, pointed cabbage and lettuce. In terms of fruit, strawberries, banana, kiwi, tangerine, peach and orange are good fruits to feed. As with any species, variety in the diet is important.
For young animals, it is important for growth and development that animal food is also offered.
It is sometimes advised to powder the food animals with vitamin D. You can find these extra calcium and vitamin supplements in most pet shops and reptile shops.

Water
Water must always be available, you can offer this in a small water bowl, but change the water daily to prevent bacterial accumulations in the water. This species receives the most water by spraying the terrarium, so also spray the terrarium daily.

Cleaning
It is important to clean the terrarium properly. Therefore, remove uneaten food and feces every day before feeding the iguana again. Replace the bottom material once a month or a few times a year and then immediately clean the rest of the terrarium (including the interior). If you use cleaning products, it is important to rinse everything well after the time. Always wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with the animals or the terrarium, as reptiles can transmit salmonella.

Handling
The black iguana can be tamed, but this requires patience. When they are not used to being handled they may flick their tail, scratch or bite. There is a risk of a tetanus infection from the bacteria in the mouth due to a bite. Only handle the iguana if he approaches you himself, when trust has been built up this should go better and better. Since they are large animals, it is necessary that they are properly held so that they do not fall.

Housing
Minimum size stay for a couple: Minimum 200x100x200
Daytime temperature: 25-35°C
Night temperature: 20-25°C
Hours of light: 12 hours
Humidity Level: 50-60%
Soil cover: Sandy subsoil

Design
Large climbing branches must be present in the terrarium, black iguanas like to sit on a branch under the heat and UVB lamp. A number of hiding places in the enclosure are also important to ensure that the animal can sit out of sight to prevent stress.
The sun spot must be made on 1 side of the terrarium, in order to create a temperature gradation, so that the iguana can choose for itself where it will lie down. To create an optimal sun spot for large animals such as green iguanas, it is wise to make a sun spot with several lamps with a somewhat lower wattage so that the animal can lie with its entire body below it. A single heat and UV lamp of a high wattage can quickly cause burns to the animals.
The soil cover may be 20 to 40 centimeters deep so that it can absorb and release sufficient moisture to maintain the humidity level. It is also important that the enclosure is sprayed daily to maintain the humidity level.
All elements that are added to the enclosure must be firmly attached and cannot fall over, as the iguana is large and strong. If something falls, this can damage the animal.

Behaviour
Diet: Herbivore
Lifestyle: Arboreal and diurnal

Character
Black iguanas are real sun worshipers and would therefore often be found on branches under the heat lamp. They can be tamed, but this takes time and work. They communicate with each other through body language such as head nods and scratching movements. They are quite sensitive to stress, so make sure they can hide if they want to.

Points of attention
Males are very aggressive towards each other. They defend themselves by beating their tails. Spray the terrarium daily to maintain humidity levels.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation: The Black iguana falls under CITES II, to own this reptile species you need CITES or transfer papers. You should get this with the purchase.
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl and decoration. This can cost a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros in total. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, which is a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred when your iguana happens to get sick or your equipment breaks down.