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Latin Name: Leiocephalus sp & Tropidurus
Native To: Peru, the Caribbean, Cuba
Maximum Length: 4 - 7 inches
Approximate Life Span: 5 - 8 years
CURLY TAIL LIZARD GENERAL INFORMATION
Curly Tail Lizards are a group containing about 20 species. The name
comes from the rapidly twitching tail. The tail is used for fighting
and threatening other Curly Tails by lashing it around furiously. It's
tail is also used to distract predators during an attack. The lizard
will frantically twitch its tail to focus the attacker's attention on
the tail. When the attack is made the tail is released and the lizard
hopefully gets away living to grow a new tail, though never looking the
same as the original. Don't handle this animal by the tail or you to
may be left holding a tail. Curly Tails make great starter lizards.
They are relatively calm for lizards of this size. The body is robust
with some species being very colorful. Some species may have a small
dorsal crest. Curly Tails are diurnal lizards which can be found
anywhere from sandy beaches to open forests or rocky deserts. They are
ground dwellers, but can be found climbing among rocks and low
branches.
CURLY TAIL LIZARD ENCLOSURES
A 10 gallon or larger well-ventilated
aquarium would be ideal for 2 - 4 lizards. Be sure to include lots of
branches to climb on, and rocks to hide among. It is best to have only
1 male to a cage as they are prone to fighting. You can house several
females together.
SUBSTRATE
Use sphagnum moss, or Zoo Med REPTI BARK™. You can very
easily simulate the earth of the forest or desert floor by mixing sand
with peat moss. Do NOT use silica sand, its dust is harmful to you and
the animals! Decorate with Zoo Med DESERT TERRARIUM TREES, Zoo Med
REPTILE VINES. If you choose to use rocks for decorating, be sure they
are firmly positioned to avoid an unnecessary accident.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Daytime temperatures should
range between 80 - 85°f with a basking area of 88°f. Do not let
nighttime temperatures drop below 75°f. Keep dry, 30 - 40% humidity.
HEATING
Use a Zoo Med REPTITHERM® UNDER TANK HEATER
(U.T.H.) on one end of the tank. Leave it on 24 hours a day. U.T.H.'s
will take a few hours to reach their optimal temperature. For easy heat
control use a Zoo Med REPTI-TEMP™ RHEOSTAT in conjunction with the
U.T.H. Do not unplug the U.T.H. to control temperatures. Reptiles need
to be able to regulate their body temperature, so a temperature range
must be provided. A basking area, consisting of a Zoo Med REPTI™
BASKING SPOT BULB works well. If your enclosure does not have a glass
bottom you can use a Zoo Med REPTICARE® CERAMIC HEAT EMITTER to heat
your cage instead of a U.T.H. To automate the heating of your
enclosures, connect your Zoo Med REPTICARE® CERAMIC HEAT EMITTER to a
Zoo Med REPTI-TEMP™ THERMOSTAT and relax, because the heater will turn
on and off depending on where you set the dial. Always use a
thermometer and humidity gauge in all reptile & amphibian
enclosures. Use at least one thermometer, two is optimal. One on the
cooler side, one on the warmer side. A Zoo Med DELUXE ANALOG MIN/MAX
THERMOMETER works great to show the high and low temperatures in a 24
hour period.
LIGHTING
All reptiles and amphibians need a photo period (light cycle). A plug
in timer (for your white lights only, do not use a timer for your
heating devices) works well to develop a regular photo period of 8 - 12
hours of light and 8 - 12 hours of dark. UVB is not necessary, but not
harmful. If desired, use a ZOO MED REPTISUN™ fluorescent. Use a Zoo Med
REPTICARE® CERAMIC HEAT EMITTER at night and during the day to keep the
air temperature up to the recommended levels. Reptiles and amphibians
cannot see the red light spectrum, so a low wattage red bulb is ideal
for night time viewing of your reptiles.
CURLY TAIL LIZARD FOOD & WATER
Curly Tails are robust animals and
can handle eating medium to large crickets. They will also eat small
amounts of vegetation, small pieces of green leaf lettuce and sweet
fruit, or lick fruit flavored baby food from shallow dish. Dust food
lightly with REPTIVITE™ every other feeding. Always feed your crickets
assorted fruits and vegetables or a commercially prepared cricket diet
12 - 24 hours before feeding the crickets to your pets. Provide a
shallow bowl for them to drink from. They should be able to easily get
out of the bowl should they fall in.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately
after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term
with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill
your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at
night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live
food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile
and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase.
For further information on reptiles and amphibians we
recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on assorted Curly Tail Lizards. We hope that our guidelines will assist
you with the care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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Reptiles 
