Brown Basilisk | Basiliscus vittatus
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
Mexico and Central America; tropical vegetation near water. |
| Adult size |
Around 60–75 cm including tail. |
| Lifespan |
Around 8–12 years. |
| Temperament |
Individuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling. |
| Activity |
Day-active. |
| Social needs |
House individually. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
At least 150 × 75 × 150 cm for one adult, with climbing space and an accessible water area. |
| Enclosure type |
Large, semi-aquatic arboreal habitat. |
| Temperature |
Basking around 32–35°C; daytime ambient around 25–28°C with a cooler retreat. |
| Lighting & UVB |
Provide a regular day/night cycle with darkness at night. Select species-appropriate UVB, with shaded retreats and safe lamp distances. |
| Humidity / moisture |
Around 60–80%, with ventilation. |
| Substrate |
Species-appropriate, pesticide-free substrate; avoid aromatic woods. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Secure branches, visual barriers, leafy cover and a water area with safe exits. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
Fast, nervous display lizard; minimise handling and provide visual cover. Individual housing is safest.
Feeding & Nutrition
Offer varied gut-loaded insects and other species-appropriate foods; confirm the animal’s established diet and juvenile/adult schedule with the team. Gut-load feeder insects and use calcium and a reptile multivitamin according to the product instructions and the animal’s UVB provision. Avoid overlapping vitamin D3 products; ask our reptile team to check the schedule for this animal. Provide clean bathing water and drinking access.
Routine Care
Check temperatures, humidity, appetite and behaviour daily. Replace drinking water and remove waste promptly. Clean bowls and contaminated furnishings regularly; monitor weight and shedding. Arrange advice from an exotics vet for persistent changes in appetite, breathing or movement.
Important Before Buying
Run and check the enclosure before collection. Adult housing requirements apply even when the animal is sold as a baby. Confirm the animal’s current food, age and supplement schedule with our reptile team.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.
