Iguanas, large herbivorous lizards native to tropical Americas and Caribbean islands, captivate with their vibrant colors and prehistoric look. Sporting dewlaps, dorsal spines, and whip-like tails, they thrive in rainforests, deserts, and coastal areas. Their ability to change color for thermoregulation or signaling adds to their allure.
These reptiles, ranging from 1 to 7 feet, feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers, playing key roles as seed dispersers. Arboreal or terrestrial, they bask on branches or rocks, using sharp claws for climbing or digging. Some species, uniquely, dive into oceans to graze algae, showcasing remarkable adaptations.
Iguanas communicate through head bobs, dewlap displays, and tail whips, often living solitarily or in small groups. Their keen eyesight detects predators like hawks or snakes, with tail autotomy aiding escape. Females lay eggs in burrows, with hatchlings fending for themselves from birth.
As pets, iguanas demand spacious enclosures, UVB lighting, and precise diets, living 10-20 years with proper care. Their complex needs suit experienced keepers, as improper care leads to health issues or releases, fueling invasive populations in places like Florida.
Conservation is critical, with many species endangered due to habitat loss and invasive threats. Resources like the IUCN Iguana Specialist Group offer insights, urging support for habitat protection to ensure these iconic reptiles thrive in the wild.
Types of Iguanas
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
The Green Iguana, also called the common or American iguana, is the most recognized species, native from southern Brazil to Mexico and introduced to Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. Growing to 5-7 feet and weighing up to 20 pounds, it boasts vibrant green skin in youth, shifting to olive, brown, or orange based on mood, temperature, or status.
Arboreal and herbivorous, it feeds on leaves, flowers, and fruits, living high in rainforest canopies. As pets, they require large enclosures (6x6x6 feet), 80-90°F heat, and UVB lighting, but their complex care leads to many being released, fueling invasive populations. Their 15-20-year lifespan and docile nature suit dedicated owners.
Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima)
The Lesser Antillean Iguana, native to the Lesser Antilles like Dominica and Guadeloupe, is critically endangered due to habitat loss and hybridization with Green Iguanas. Reaching 4-5 feet, it has a greyish-green body with darker bands and a less pronounced dewlap. Arboreal and herbivorous, it favors forest canopies, eating leaves and fruits.
Conservation efforts, including captive breeding in U.S. and European zoos, aim to save this species, which lives 11-14 years. As pets, they’re rare and challenging, needing spacious, humid enclosures and strict diets, making them unsuitable for beginners.
Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi)
The Blue Iguana, endemic to Grand Cayman, is a striking species, growing to 5 feet and weighing up to 30 pounds, the heaviest iguana. Its slate-grey skin turns vivid blue during breeding, signaling dominance or danger.
Terrestrial and herbivorous, it feeds on fruits, leaves, and flowers in dry forests. Critically endangered, conservation programs have boosted its population through captive breeding. As pets, they require large outdoor enclosures (10×10 feet), 85-95°F heat, and UVB, suiting experienced keepers. Their 25-40-year lifespan and calm demeanor make them rewarding but demanding.
Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta)
The Rhinoceros Iguana, native to Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), is named for the horn-like snout projections in males. Growing to 4.5-5 feet and weighing up to 20 pounds, its greyish-brown to black skin blends into dry, rocky forests.
Terrestrial and herbivorous, it eats leaves, berries, and fruits. As pets, they need large enclosures (8×8 feet), basking areas (90-100°F), and UVB, with a 20-30-year lifespan. Their bulky build and powerful jaws require experienced handling, but their unique appearance appeals to dedicated reptile enthusiasts.
Cuban Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila)
The Cuban Rock Iguana, found in Cuba and nearby islands, grows to 5 feet and weighs up to 15 pounds, with a 50-year lifespan. Dark brown to brick-red in males and olive-green in females, it’s terrestrial, living in coastal colonies and eating fruits, leaves, and occasional insects.
As pets, they’re easier to tame than other rock iguanas but need large outdoor enclosures (10×10 feet), 85-95°F heat, and UVB. Their powerful jaws demand careful handling, making them suitable for advanced keepers who can manage their complex care.
Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)
The Marine Iguana, unique to the Galápagos Islands, is the only sea-foraging lizard, growing to 4-5 feet. Its black or grey skin, often with red or green hues during breeding, aids thermoregulation after cold ocean dives.
Feeding on algae scraped from rocks, it’s an excellent swimmer with a flattened tail. Not kept as pets due to specialized needs, it’s a conservation focus, with a 10-20-year lifespan. Its ability to sneeze excess salt through nasal glands adds to its allure, making it a favorite for ecotourists and researchers.
Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis)
The Desert Iguana, native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, is among the smallest, reaching 24 inches. Its tan, grey, or rusty-brown skin blends into arid landscapes, where it’s terrestrial, eating flowers, buds, and insects.
Hardy and active, it thrives in 10-gallon enclosures (85-100°F) with sandy substrates as pets, living 7-14 years. Its low maintenance and small size suit beginners, though it’s less common in the pet trade. Native to San Diego County, it’s vital to desert ecosystems.
Fiji Banded Iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus)
The Fiji Banded Iguana, native to Fiji and Tonga, grows to 2-3 feet with vibrant green skin and white, blue, or yellow bands. Arboreal and omnivorous, it eats leaves, fruits, and insects in rainforest canopies.
Critically endangered due to habitat loss, it’s rarely kept as pets, needing 20-gallon vertical tanks (80-90°F) with high humidity (70-80%). Its 10-15-year lifespan and striking bands make it a conservation priority, with breeding programs aiding its survival.
Fiji Crested Iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis)
The Fiji Crested Iguana, found primarily on Fiji’s Yadua Taba island, is critically endangered, with 98% of its population on one island. Growing to 2-3 feet, its emerald-green skin and prominent crest suit its arboreal, rainforest lifestyle, where it eats leaves and fruits.
Not suitable as pets due to rarity and complex needs (20-gallon tank, 80-90°F, 80% humidity), it lives 10-15 years. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its habitat from rats and cats, making it a symbol of Fijian biodiversity.
Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura spp.)
Spiny-tailed Iguanas, or Ctenosaurs, encompass 15 species native to Central America and Mexico, ranging from 2.9 inches to 39 inches. Known for enlarged, spiny tail scales, they’re terrestrial, eating fruits, leaves, and small animals in rocky habitats.
As pets, species like Ctenosaura similis need 6×6-foot enclosures (85-95°F) and live 15-25 years. Their invasive spread in Florida highlights their adaptability, but their aggressive nature suits experienced keepers. Their varied sizes make them versatile for herpetoculture.
Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater)
The Chuckwalla, native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, grows to 16-18 inches with a chunky, brown body. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it eats desert plants in rocky habitats, wedging into crevices to escape predators.
As pets, they need 20-gallon tanks (90-100°F) with rocks and live 15-25 years. Their docile nature suits beginners, but their desert-specific needs require precise heating. Native to San Diego County, they’re ecologically important, controlling plant populations.
Galápagos Land Iguana (Conolophus subcristatus)
The Galápagos Land Iguana, endemic to the Galápagos, grows to 3-5 feet with dull yellow-brown skin. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it eats cactus pads and fruits, basking on volcanic rocks.
Not kept as pets due to conservation status, it lives 50-60 years. Described by Darwin as “ugly,” its role as a seed disperser is vital. Conservation efforts protect it from invasive species, ensuring its survival in its unique island ecosystem.
Pink Galápagos Iguana (Conolophus rosada)
The Pink Galápagos Iguana, found only on Isabela Island’s Wolf Volcano, is a rare species, growing to 3-4 feet with pinkish skin. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it feeds on vegetation in volcanic habitats.
Not available as pets, its 50-year lifespan and endangered status make it a conservation focus. Discovered recently, its pink hue and small population highlight the Galápagos’ evolutionary diversity, drawing global research interest.
Jamaican Iguana (Cyclura collei)
The Jamaican Iguana, Jamaica’s second-largest native animal, grows to 4-5 feet with grey-green skin. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it eats leaves and fruits in limestone forests. Once thought extinct, conservation has revived its population, with a 20-30-year lifespan. Rarely kept as pets due to endangered status, it requires large enclosures (8×8 feet) and expert care. Its recovery showcases the power of conservation, making it a Caribbean icon.
Grand Cayman Rock Iguana (Cyclura caymanensis)
The Grand Cayman Rock Iguana, endemic to the Cayman Islands, grows to 3-4 feet with a grey-brown to reddish body and a lifespan of up to 40 years. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers in dry forests and scrublands. Critically endangered due to habitat loss and invasive predators, it’s rarely kept as pets, requiring large outdoor enclosures (8×8 feet), with basking areas (90-95°F), and UVB lighting. Conservation programs, including captive breeding, have helped stabilize its numbers. Its smaller size compared to other rock iguanas and ecological role as a seed disperser make it a vital species in its fragile island ecosystem.
Anegada Rock Iguana (Cyclura pinguis)
The Anegada Rock Iguana, native to Anegada in the British Virgin Islands, reaches 4-5 feet with a robust, dark grey to brown body. Once widespread across Puerto Rico, it’s now critically endangered, confined to a single island due to habitat destruction and introduced species. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it eats cacti, fruits in dry scrublands. Not kept as pets, it requires large enclosures (10×10 feet) with 85-95°F heat and lives 20-40 years. Conservation efforts, like head-starting programs, aim to protect this resilient species, a key seed disperser.
Mona Island Iguana (Cyclura stejnegeri)
The Mona Island Iguana, found only on Puerto Rico’s Mona Island, grows to 3.5-4.5 feet with a greyish-brown body and prominent dorsal crest. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it feeds on leaves, fruits, and cacti in arid, rocky habitats. Critically endangered due to invasive goats and pigs, it’s not a pet species, needing specialized enclosures (8×8 feet) and 85-95°F heat. With a 20-30-year lifespan, its conservation relies on habitat restoration. Its rugged appearance and ecological role make it a Caribbean conservation priority.
Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana (Cyclura carinata)
The Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana, native to the Turks and Caicos Islands, is one of the smallest rock iguanas, reaching 2-3 feet. Its grey to reddish-brown skin blends into limestone habitats, where it eats fruits, leaves, and flowers terrestrially. Critically endangered, it’s rarely kept as pets, requiring 6×6-foot enclosures with 90-100°F basking spots. Living 20-30 years, it benefits from conservation programs removing invasive predators. Its compact size and gentle nature highlight its importance in island ecosystems.
Bahamian Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi)
The Bahamian Rock Iguana, found on Exuma Islands in the Bahamas, grows to 3-4 feet with grey-green to reddish skin. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it feeds on native plants in sandy, rocky habitats, aiding seed dispersal. Critically endangered due to tourism and feral animals, it’s not a pet species, needing large enclosures (8×8 feet) and 85-95°F heat. With a 20-40-year lifespan, conservation efforts focus on protected habitats. Its vibrant colors during breeding make it a Bahamian icon.
San Salvador Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi cristata)
The San Salvador Rock Iguana, a subspecies of the Bahamian Rock Iguana, is confined to San Salvador Island, growing to 3-3.5 feet with a reddish-grey body. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it eats cacti and fruits in scrublands. Critically endangered, it’s not kept as pets, requiring 6×6-foot enclosures with 90-100°F heat. Living 20-30 years, it faces threats from invasive species. Conservation programs protect its habitat, emphasizing its role as a seed disperser in fragile ecosystems.
White Cay Rock Iguana (Cyclura rileyi nuchalis)
The White Cay Rock Iguana, another Bahamian subspecies, is restricted to White Cay, reaching 3-3.5 feet with grey to reddish skin. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it feeds on native vegetation in rocky coastal areas. Critically endangered, it’s not a pet species, needing 6×6-foot enclosures with 85-95°F heat and UVB. With a 20-30-year lifespan, conservation efforts combat feral cats and habitat loss. Its small range underscores the urgency of protecting Bahamian biodiversity.
Allen’s Cay Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura inornata)
The Allen’s Cay Rock Iguana, native to the Bahamas’ Leaf and Allen’s Cays, grows to 3.5-4 feet with a dull grey-brown body. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it eats fruits, leaves, and flowers in sandy habitats. Endangered due to human disturbance, it’s not kept as pets, requiring 8×8-foot enclosures with 90-100°F heat. Living 20-40 years, it benefits from protected reserves. Its subtle coloration and ecological role make it a key species in Bahamian conservation.
Exuma Island Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura figginsi)
The Exuma Island Rock Iguana, found on Exuma Cays, reaches 3-3.5 feet with grey to reddish skin. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it feeds on native plants, aiding seed dispersal in rocky scrublands. Endangered, it’s not a pet species, needing 6×6-foot enclosures with 85-95°F heat. With a 20-30-year lifespan, it faces threats from tourism. Conservation efforts protect its habitat, ensuring its survival in the Bahamas’ delicate ecosystems.
Utila Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri)
The Utila Spiny-tailed Iguana, endemic to Utila, Honduras, grows to 2-3 feet with a grey-brown body and spiny tail. Semi-arboreal and omnivorous, it eats leaves, fruits, and small animals in mangrove forests. Critically endangered, it’s rarely kept as pets, needing 6×6-foot enclosures with 85-95°F heat and 70% humidity. Living 15-25 years, conservation programs combat habitat loss. Its adaptability makes it a unique spiny-tailed species.
Roatán Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura oedirhina)
The Roatán Spiny-tailed Iguana, native to Roatán, Honduras, reaches 2-3 feet with a brownish body and spiny tail. Terrestrial and omnivorous, it feeds on plants and insects in dry forests. Endangered, it’s not commonly kept as pets, requiring 6×6-foot enclosures with 85-95°F heat. With a 15-20-year lifespan, it faces habitat threats. Conservation efforts protect its island range, highlighting its ecological importance.
Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis)
The Black Spiny-tailed Iguana, native to Central America and introduced to Florida, grows to 3-5 feet with a blackish-grey body and spiny tail. Terrestrial and omnivorous, it eats plants, insects, and small vertebrates in dry forests. As pets, it needs 6×6-foot enclosures with 90-100°F heat, living 15-25 years. Its aggressive nature suits experienced keepers, but its invasiveness raises ecological concerns in non-native areas.
Mexican Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
The Mexican Spiny-tailed Iguana, native to western Mexico and introduced to Texas, reaches 3-4.5 feet with a grey-brown body and spiny tail. Terrestrial and omnivorous, it feeds on leaves, fruits, and small animals in scrublands. As pets, it requires 6×6-foot enclosures with 85-95°F heat, living 15-20 years. Its bold demeanor suits advanced keepers, but its invasive spread in the U.S. poses challenges.
Andros Island Iguana (Cyclura cychlura cychlura)
The Andros Island Iguana, native to Andros, Bahamas, grows to 3.5-4.5 feet with a greyish-green body. Terrestrial and herbivorous, it eats fruits and leaves in pine forests and scrublands. Endangered, it’s not kept as pets, needing 8×8-foot enclosures with 85-95°F heat. Living 20-40 years, it faces threats from development. Conservation efforts protect its habitat, ensuring its role as a seed disperser.