Iguanas , big herbivorous lizards aboriginal to tropical Americas and Caribbean islands , charm with their vibrant colour and prehistorical tone . Sporting dewlaps , dorsal pricker , and whip - alike tush , they flourish in rainforests , deserts , and coastal areas . Their ability to change color for thermoregulation or signal add to their allure .

These reptilian , ranging from 1 to 7 feet , feed on leaves , fruits , and flowers , play primal persona as seed dispersers . tree-living or terrestrial , they enjoy on branches or rock’n’roll , using sharp claws for climbing or excavation . Some coinage , uniquely , plunge into ocean to graze alga , showcasing remarkable adjustment .

Iguanas communicate through head bobs , dewlap display , and tail whips , often populate solitarily or in small groups . Their keen eyesight detects predator like hawks or snakes , with hindquarters autotomy aiding evasion . Females lie eggs in burrows , with hatchling fending for themselves from parentage .

As pets , iguanas demand spacious enclosures , UVB firing , and precise diets , living 10 - 20 old age with proper care . Their complex postulate suit experienced keepers , as improper care leads to wellness issues or releases , fuel invasive population in place like Florida .

Conservation is vital , with many species endangered due to habitat deprivation and invasive threats . Resources like the IUCN Iguana Specialist Group declare oneself insights , urging support for home ground protection to ensure these iconic reptiles thrive in the wilderness .

Types of Iguanas

Green Iguana ( Iguana iguana )

The Green Iguana , also prognosticate the common or American iguana , is the most recognized species , aboriginal from southerly Brazil to Mexico and preface to Florida , Hawaii , and Texas . Growing to 5 - 7 feet and librate up to 20 pound , it gasconade vibrant green skin in youth , shift to olive , brown , or orange base on humour , temperature , or status .

Arboreal and herbivorous , it feeds on leaves , flowers , and fruits , living high up 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 free , fuel incursive population . Their 15 - 20 - year lifespan and docile nature suit consecrate owners .

Lesser Antillean Iguana ( Iguana delicatissima )

The Lesser Antillean Iguana , native to the Lesser Antilles like Dominica and Guadeloupe , is critically endangered due to home ground red ink and hybridization with Green Iguanas . reach 4 - 5 groundwork , it has a greyish - green body with blue isthmus and a less pronounced dewlap . arboriform and herbivorous , it favour forest canopies , eating farewell and fruit .

Conservation sweat , including captive upbringing in U.S. and European zoos , purport to save this specie , which lives 11 - 14 age . As pets , they ’re rare and thought-provoking , needing roomy , humid envelopment and hard-and-fast diet , take a crap them unsuitable for beginners .

Blue Iguana ( Cyclura lewisi )

The Blue Iguana , endemic to Grand Cayman , is a prominent species , growing to 5 understructure and weighing up to 30 pounds , the heaviest common iguana . Its slate - grey skin turn vivid blue during education , sign dominance or risk .

sublunary and herbivorous , it feeds on fruits , leaves , and flowers in dry forests . Critically endangered , conservation program have boosted its population through captive breeding . As favorite , they require big outdoor enclosures ( 10×10 feet ) , 85 - 95 ° F heating system , and UVB , suiting experienced steward . Their 25 - 40 - year lifespan and calm demeanor make them rewarding but demanding .

Rhinoceros Iguana ( Cyclura cornuta )

The Rhinoceros Iguana , aboriginal to Hispaniola ( Haiti and Dominican Republic ) , is named for the motor horn - like snout expulsion in males . spring up to 4.5 - 5 substructure and weighing up to 20 pound , its greyish - Brown University to black-market peel blending into dry , rocky forests .

Terrestrial and herbivorous , it corrode leaves , berries , and fruit . As pets , they postulate large enclosures ( 8×8 infantry ) , basking areas ( 90 - 100 ° F ) , and UVB , with a 20 - 30 - class lifespan . Their bulky material body and powerful jaws involve experient treatment , but their alone appearance prayer to dedicated reptile enthusiasts .

Cuban Rock Iguana ( Cyclura nubila )

The Cuban Rock Iguana , find in Cuba and nearby islands , grows to 5 infantry and weighs up to 15 pounds , with a 50 - year lifespan . Dark brown to brick - red in males and European olive tree - green in female , it ’s terrestrial , living in coastal colony and rust fruits , leaves , and occasional insects .

As PET , they ’re easier to cultivate than other sway iguanas but demand large out-of-door enclosure ( 10×10 feet ) , 85 - 95 ° F heat , and UVB . Their brawny jaw demand thrifty manipulation , making them suitable for forward-looking steward who can manage their complex care .

Marine Iguana ( Amblyrhynchus cristatus )

The Marine Iguana , unique to the Galápagos Islands , is the only sea - forage lounge lizard , growing to 4 - 5 feet . Its black or grey-haired tegument , often with cerise or green hues during breeding , aids thermoregulation after cold ocean dive .

Feeding on algae scraped from rocks , it ’s an fantabulous swimmer with a flattened tail . Not kept as favourite due to specialized pauperization , it ’s a conservation focus , with a 10 - 20 - year lifetime . Its power to sneeze excess salt through pinched glands add 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 column inch . Its tan , grey , or rusty - brown skin blend into desiccate landscapes , where it ’s terrestrial , eating flowers , bud , and insects .

Hardy and active , it thrives in 10 - gallon enclosure ( 85 - 100 ° F ) with sandy substrates as favorite , living 7 - 14 years . Its low maintenance and small size wooing novice , though it ’s less common in the favored swop . aboriginal to San Diego County , it ’s critical to desert ecosystem .

Fiji Banded Iguana ( Brachylophus fasciatus )

The Fiji Banded Iguana , native to Fiji and Tonga , grow to 2 - 3 foot with vibrant green skin and ashen , blue , or yellow band . arboreous and omnivorous , it rust parting , fruits , and insects in rainforest canopies .

Critically endangered due to habitat deprivation , it ’s seldom kept as pets , needing 20 - gallon vertical army tank ( 80 - 90 ° F ) with high humidness ( 70 - 80 % ) . Its 10 - 15 - year lifespan and striking bands make it a conservation priority , with fostering program help its survival .

Fiji Crested Iguana ( Brachylophus vitiensis )

The Fiji Crested Iguana , see primarily on Fiji ’s Yadua Taba island , is critically jeopardise , with 98 % of its universe on one island . grow to 2 - 3 feet , its emerald - unripe cutis and big tip suit its arboreal , rainforest modus vivendi , where it deplete leaves and fruit .

Not suitable as pets due to rarity and complex needs ( 20 - gallon tank , 80 - 90 ° F , 80 % humidness ) , it lives 10 - 15 long time . Conservation efforts focalize on protecting its habitat from rats and cats , making it a symbol of Fijian biodiversity .

Spiny - tailed Iguana ( Ctenosaura spp . )

Spiny - dog Iguanas , or Ctenosaurs , encompass 15 species native to Central America and Mexico , wander from 2.9 inches to 39 inches . know for enlarged , spiny hindquarters scales , they ’re terrestrial , eating fruit , leave , and small animate being in rough habitats .

As pet , species like Ctenosaura similis need 6×6 - foot inclosure ( 85 - 95 ° F ) and be 15 - 25 years . Their invasive spreading in Florida highlights their adaptability , but their aggressive nature suits experienced keeper . Their wide-ranging sizes make them various for herpetoculture .

Chuckwalla ( Sauromalus ater )

The Chuckwalla , aboriginal to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico , grows to 16 - 18 inches with a chunky , brown body . Terrestrial and herbivorous , it eat desert works in rocky habitats , wedge into crevice to get away predators .

As pet , they need 20 - gallon tank ( 90 - 100 ° degree Fahrenheit ) with rock and live 15 - 25 years . Their docile nature suit beginner , but their desert - specific pauperization require precise heat . Native to San Diego County , they ’re ecologically significant , control plant populations .

Galápagos Land Iguana ( Conolophus subcristatus )

The Galápagos Land Iguana , endemical to the Galápagos , grows to 3 - 5 foot with irksome yellow - brown skin . Terrestrial and herbivorous , it rust cactus pad and fruits , basking on volcanic rocks .

Not kept as darling due to conservation condition , it survive 50 - 60 years . Described by Darwin as “ ugly , ” its role as a seed disperser is lively . Conservation efforts protect it from invasive species , check its survival of the fittest in its unique island ecosystem .

Pink Galápagos Iguana ( Conolophus rosada )

The Pink Galápagos Iguana , get hold only on Isabela Island ’s Wolf Volcano , is a rarified species , produce to 3 - 4 foot with pinkish skin . mundane and herbivorous , it feed on vegetation in volcanic habitat .

Not uncommitted as pets , its 50 - yr lifespan and endangered condition make it a preservation focusing . Discovered lately , its pink hue and small population play up the Galápagos ’ evolutionary diversity , draw global enquiry interest .

Jamaican Iguana ( Cyclura collei )

The Jamaican Iguana , Jamaica ’s second - largest aboriginal beast , acquire to 4 - 5 feet with grey - green hide . Terrestrial and herbivorous , it eats leaves and fruits in limestone forests . Once imagine extinct , conservation has come to its population , with a 20 - 30 - year lifespan . Rarely kept as pets due to endangered status , it requires large enclosure ( 8×8 pes ) and expert care . Its retrieval showcases the power of preservation , hold it a Caribbean ikon .

Grand Cayman Rock Iguana ( Cyclura caymanensis )

The Grand Cayman Rock Iguana , endemic to the Cayman Islands , grows to 3 - 4 feet with a white-haired - brownish to reddish body and a lifespan of up to 40 class . mundane and herbivorous , it course on leaves , fruits , and flowers in teetotal forests and scrublands . Critically endangered due to home ground red and invasive predators , it ’s rarely prevent as pets , requiring with child out-of-door enclosures ( 8×8 foot ) , with basking areas ( 90 - 95 ° F ) , and UVB light . preservation political platform , include confined breeding , have facilitate stabilize its numbers . Its smaller sizing compared to other rock iguanas and bionomic use as a ejaculate disperser make it a vital specie in its fragile island ecosystem .

Anegada Rock Iguana ( Cyclura pinguis )

The Anegada Rock Iguana , native to Anegada in the British Virgin Islands , touch 4 - 5 feet with a robust , dark Charles Grey to brown consistence . Once widespread across Puerto Rico , it ’s now critically expose , confined to a single island due to habitat destruction and enter species . planetary and herbivorous , it eats cacti , fruits in dry scrubland . Not keep as dearie , it need large enclosures ( 10×10 feet ) with 85 - 95 ° F heat and lives 20 - 40 years . preservation effort , like principal - starting programs , drive to protect this bouncy species , a key seed disperser .

Mona Island Iguana ( Cyclura stejnegeri )

The Mona Island Iguana , found only on Puerto Rico ’s Mona Island , spring up to 3.5 - 4.5 feet with a grayish - brownish body and large dorsal summit . Terrestrial and herbivorous , it eat on leaves , fruit , and cacti in arid , jumpy habitats . Critically scupper due to invasive goat and pigs , it ’s not a pet mintage , needing specialized enclosure ( 8×8 feet ) and 85 - 95 ° farad heat . With a 20 - 30 - class lifespan , its preservation relies on habitat restoration . Its rugged appearance and bionomical role make it a Caribbean preservation precedence .

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 , reach out 2 - 3 foundation . Its grey to reddish - brown cutis blends into limestone habitats , where it eat on fruit , leaves , and flowers terrestrially . Critically scupper , it ’s rarely restrain as pets , require 6×6 - foot enclosures with 90 - 100 ° atomic number 9 basking position . Living 20 - 30 class , it benefit from conservation programs removing invading vulture . Its compendious size of it and easy nature highlight its importance in island ecosystem .

Bahamian Rock Iguana ( Cyclura rileyi )

The Bahamian Rock Iguana , chance on Exuma Islands in the Bahamas , grows to 3 - 4 feet with grey - super acid to red peel . mundane and herbivorous , it feeds on native plant in sandlike , rocky habitat , aiding semen dispersal . Critically imperil due to touristry and feral fauna , it ’s not a pet species , needing gravid enclosures ( 8×8 understructure ) and 85 - 95 ° F oestrus . With a 20 - 40 - year lifespan , preservation endeavor pore on protected habitat . Its vibrant colors during breeding make it a Bahamian image .

San Salvador Rock Iguana ( Cyclura rileyi cristata )

The San Salvador Rock Iguana , a race 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 eat up cacti and fruits in scrubland . Critically endangered , it ’s not keep open as PET , ask 6×6 - foot enclosure with 90 - 100 ° atomic number 9 heat . Living 20 - 30 years , it front threat from invasive metal money . Conservation programme protect its habitat , emphasizing its function as a ejaculate disperser in fragile ecosystem .

White Cay Rock Iguana ( Cyclura rileyi nuchalis )

The White Cay Rock Iguana , another Bahamian subspecies , is limit to White Cay , reaching 3 - 3.5 feet with grey to reddish tegument . planetary and herbivorous , it fertilize on native flora in rough coastal areas . Critically menace , it ’s not a favourite coinage , want 6×6 - foot enclosures with 85 - 95 ° F heat and UVB . With a 20 - 30 - year lifespan , conservation campaign combat savage khat and habitat personnel casualty . Its small kitchen stove underscores the urgency of protecting Bahamian biodiversity .

Allen ’s Cay Rock Iguana ( Cyclura cychlura inornata )

The Allen ’s Cay Rock Iguana , aboriginal to the Bahamas ’ Leaf and Allen ’s Cays , develop to 3.5 - 4 feet with a dull grey - brown trunk . Terrestrial and herbivorous , it eats yield , leave , and bloom in arenaceous home ground . Endangered due to human disturbance , it ’s not kept as darling , require 8×8 - foot enclosures with 90 - 100 ° F heat energy . Living 20 - 40 years , it benefits from protected reserves . Its elusive coloration and ecologic role make it a key metal money in Bahamian conservation .

Exuma Island Rock Iguana ( Cyclura cychlura figginsi )

The Exuma Island Rock Iguana , discover on Exuma Cays , reaches 3 - 3.5 feet with grey to reddish skin . sublunar and herbivorous , it feeds on aboriginal plants , aiding source dissemination in rocky scrublands . Endangered , it ’s not a pet species , ask 6×6 - foot enclosures with 85 - 95 ° fluorine hotness . With a 20 - 30 - class lifespan , it face threats from touristry . Conservation efforts protect its habitat , ensuring its survival in the Bahamas ’ delicate ecosystem .

Utila Spiny - tail Iguana ( Ctenosaura bakeri )

The Utila Spiny - tailed Iguana , autochthonal to Utila , Honduras , grows to 2 - 3 foot with a grey-headed - brown body and spiny backside . Semi - arboreal and omnivorous , it eats leaf , fruits , and pocket-size animal in Rhizophora mangle forests . Critically jeopardise , it ’s seldom kept as pets , needing 6×6 - foot inclosure with 85 - 95 ° farad heating plant and 70 % humidness . Living 15 - 25 years , conservation programme combat home ground loss . Its adaptability make it a unequaled spiny - dog species .

Roatán Spiny - give chase Iguana ( Ctenosaura oedirhina )

The Roatán Spiny - tailed Iguana , aboriginal to Roatán , Honduras , attain 2 - 3 foundation with a brownish trunk and barbellate tail . sublunar and omnivorous , it run on plants and insects in dry forests . Endangered , it ’s not commonly keep as pets , demand 6×6 - foot enclosures with 85 - 95 ° fluorine heating plant . With a 15 - 20 - year lifespan , it confront habitat threats . preservation efforts protect its island range , foreground its bionomical importance .

Black Spiny - tailed Iguana ( Ctenosaura similis )

The Black Spiny - tailed Iguana , native to Central America and inclose to Florida , grows to 3 - 5 feet with a blackish - grey consistence and spiny tail . Terrestrial and omnivorous , it eats plants , worm , and small vertebrate in ironical woods . As pets , it needs 6×6 - infantry inclosure with 90 - 100 ° F heat , living 15 - 25 years . Its aggressive nature suits experienced keepers , but its invasiveness promote ecological concern in non - aboriginal area .

Mexican Spiny - tailed Iguana ( Ctenosaura pectinata )

The Mexican Spiny - chase after Iguana , native to western Mexico and preface to Texas , reaches 3 - 4.5 feet with a grey - browned body and spiny tail . Terrestrial and omnivorous , it feeds on leaves , fruits , and small creature in scrubland . As pet , it ask 6×6 - foot enclosures with 85 - 95 ° F heat , live 15 - 20 year . Its bold demeanor suits ripe keeper , but its invasive counterpane in the U.S. pose 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 - dark-green consistence . mundane and herbivorous , it eat fruits and leaves in pine forests and scrublands . Endangered , it ’s not keep as pets , needing 8×8 - groundwork natural enclosure with 85 - 95 ° F heat . live on 20 - 40 years , it face scourge from maturation . preservation efforts protect its home ground , ensuring its role as a seed disperser .