Argentine Tegu Baby | Salvator merianae
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
South America; forest edges, savannah and open habitats. |
| Adult size |
Around 90–140 cm including tail. |
| Lifespan |
15–20 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 |
Plan an adult enclosure around 300 × 150 × 150 cm, with deep digging substrate; a baby enclosure is temporary. |
| Temperature |
Basking surface around 50–60°C; warm air around 28–32°C; cool end around 24–26°C. |
| 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 a moist burrowing zone and ventilation. |
| Substrate |
Deep moisture-retentive, burrowable soil-based substrate. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Secure hides and furnishings; drinking water must remain accessible. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
House alone. A powerful lizard requiring experienced handling and considerable space.
Feeding & Nutrition
Provide a balanced, varied omnivorous diet with suitable whole prey, invertebrates and plant foods; proportions change with age. Plain muscle meat is not a complete staple. Ask the reptile team for the animal’s established juvenile diet and a planned adult feeding schedule, including calcium and vitamins. Supply a large bowl of clean water.
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
Confirm the species and current feeding plan with our reptile team. Adult accommodation, heating costs and seasonal changes in activity must be planned before buying.
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.