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- Scientific Name
- Cyclura nubila
- Name Meaning
- “Cyclura” refers to “circular tail” (their thick, ringed tail). “Rock iguana” comes from their habit of basking and living among rocky coastal areas.
- Size & Lifespan
- 3–5 ft long; 10–20+ lbs; lifespan 40–60 years in human care.
- Native Range
- Coastal Cuba, offshore cays, and rocky islands. Found in dry forests, coastal scrub, limestone rocklands, and beaches.
- Behavior
- Highly intelligent, alert, territorial, strong baskers; love climbing rocks and digging.
- Social
- Generally solitary; tolerate others only in large spaces or during breeding season.
- Activity Cycle
- Diurnal (active during the day).
- Why They Look This Way
- Thick body, spiny crest, and powerful tail for defense; robust limbs for climbing; coloration blends into rocks for camouflage.
Fun Facts
- One of the most intelligent lizards on earth.
- Can form strong bonds with keepers.
- Powerful tail whip capable of deterring predators.
- Endangered in some regions.
- Excellent diggers—can build deep burrows.
Enclosure
Adult Cuban rock iguanas need a very large outdoor-style habitat—minimum 8 ft x 4 ft x 6 ft for one, larger always preferred. Outdoors in Florida is ideal. Use cypress mulch, sandy soil, or a soil/sand mix that allows digging. Provide strong climbing rocks, large logs, and a secure hide.
- Basking temp
- 120–130°F
- Warm side
- 90–100°F
- Cool side
- 75–85°F
- Night
- 70–75°F (they tolerate brief drops to upper 60s)
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required (High-output 10.0/12%).
- Heat tolerance
- Up to 110°F with shade available.
- Cold tolerance
- Should be brought inside if temps fall below 65°F for extended periods.
Diet and Hydration
Cuban rock iguanas are primarily herbivores.
Weekly Feeding Schedule (Adult 10–20 lbs):
- Feed daily.
- Offer 2–4 cups of mixed greens/veggies per day.
- Juveniles need slightly more frequent protein early on, but adults should be 95% plant-based.
Staples
Collard greens, mustard, turnip, dandelion greens, hibiscus leaves/flowers, squash, cactus pads (opuntia), green beans, escarole, endive, arugula, mango (sparingly), papaya.
Treats
Berries, banana, apple, carrots, sweet potato, small amounts of soaked Mazuri tortoise diet.
No Feed/Toxic
Spinach, iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, avocado, onions, animal protein (for adults).
Hydration
Provide a large water bowl for soaking + daily misting of greens. They hydrate mostly from food moisture and leafy greens.
Supplements
- Calcium without D3 3–4x weekly
- Multivitamin 1–2x weekly
- Increase calcium during rapid growth or egg-laying.
Diet Behaviors
They may head-bob, stomp, or tail whip around food if territorial. Some individuals try to eat bright-colored objects—avoid bright décor.
Health
Watch for
- Metabolic Bone Disease (from poor UVB/calcium).
- Parasites (common in wild-caught).
- Respiratory infections from cold, wet conditions.
- Mouth rot if humidity is too high or diet is poor.
- Dehydration if greens are too dry.
Handling
Cuban rock iguanas are powerful, but many become very tame with consistent handling. Always support their full body weight with two hands. Watch for signs of stress: puffing up, head-bobbing, tail whipping, or fleeing.
They can get stressed with too much handling early on—work slowly and build trust. Once bonded, they tolerate handling well and can be very calm.
For shows
A well-socialized Cuban rock iguana can be a fantastic show animal if hand-raised and extremely friendly. They present well visually, rarely bite when tame, and are calm when supported properly.
However
- They are large and strong.
- Not ideal for placing directly in a child’s lap.
- Best held by staff while kids pet gently.
- Heat tolerant and can do multiple shows if tame.
Requirements for Show Animals
- Friendly & handleable
- Yes, if raised friendly.
- Not messy
- Usually good—don’t poop excessively.
Can do 5+ shows/day: Yes, if tame and conditioned.
- Can be boxed for a day
- Yes, with ventilation and warmth.
- Good with heat
- Excellent.
More Lizards
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