Green Iguana
The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large arboreal lizard from Central and South America - once one of the most heavily sold reptiles in the pet trade, now widely regretted by owners who underestimated the species.
Updated: October 2026
Wash your hands after handling. The FDA notes that reptiles and amphibians can carry Salmonella and show no signs of illness, so the animal, its enclosure and everything in it can spread the germs: wash your hands with soap and water straight after touching any of them. The agency says children younger than 5, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems should not handle reptiles or amphibians. Source: FDA, Salmonella and pet reptiles and amphibians.
Overview
The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large arboreal lizard from Central and South America - once one of the most heavily sold reptiles in the pet trade, now widely regretted by owners who underestimated the species. Adult Green Iguanas reach 1.5-2 m, require massive custom enclosures, may become aggressive at sexual maturity, and live 15-20 years. Among the most rehomed reptiles in existence.
Natural History
Native to tropical rainforests of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Highly arboreal - lives in tree canopies. Strict herbivore.
Appearance
Adults 1.5-2 m total length (most of it tail). 4-8 kg.
Bright green juveniles dull to grey-green as adults. Distinctive spinal crest of scales, dewlap (throat fan), and large lateral scales.
Temperament & Handling
Variable. Hand-raised juveniles tame to handling. Many become aggressive at sexual maturity (around 2 years), particularly males during breeding season. Adult males defending territory can cause serious injury - bites, scratches, tail whips.
Enclosure
Adult minimum: 1.8 × 1.2 × 1.8 m custom enclosure or dedicated room. Vertical orientation - they climb constantly. Most owners build wooden custom enclosures.
Provide:
- Tall climbing structures.
- Multiple basking branches.
- Large water bowl (they soak).
- High-humidity zones.
Heating & Lighting
- Basking spot: 35-43°C.
- Warm ambient: 28-32°C.
- Cool ambient: 24-27°C.
- Night: can drop to 22-25°C.
- UVB essential - high-output. Replace every 6-12 months.
Humidity
70-80%. Daily misting; large enclosure makes humidity management challenging.
Diet
Strict herbivore. Calcium-rich greens and vegetables only.
- Daily: dark leafy greens: collard, mustard, turnip greens, dandelion, hibiscus.
- Vegetables: squash, sweet potato, green beans, snap peas.
- Limited fruit.
- Avoid: spinach (oxalates), large amounts of kale (goitrogens), animal protein, dog food, insects.
Calcium supplement at every meal; vitamin D3 supplement.
Health & Lifespan
15-20 years.
Common concerns:
- Metabolic bone disease - extremely common in pet iguanas due to inadequate UVB or calcium.
- Kidney disease from too much protein.
- Mouth rot.
- Respiratory infections.
- Egg binding in unbred females (can occur even without males).
- Sexual maturity aggression in males.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Impressive prehistoric appearance.
- Hand-raised juveniles can be tame.
Cons:
- Massive size at maturity.
- Frequent aggression at sexual maturity.
- Requires custom-built enclosure.
- 15-20 year commitment.
- Very high MBD rate in pet populations.
- One of the most rehomed reptiles.
Best Suited For
- Experienced reptile keepers with space for custom enclosure.
- Adults committed to lifetime management.
Not suited for typical pet homes, apartment dwellers, families with children, first-time reptile owners. Many pet Green Iguanas end up in rescue or are euthanised.
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Green Iguana - frequently asked questions
Are Green Iguanas good pets?
For most homes, no. The species was historically over-marketed as a beginner reptile; the reality is a 2 m aggressive territorial lizard requiring custom housing and decades of care.
Why do they become aggressive?
Sexual maturity at 2 years triggers territorial behaviour, particularly in males. Some are manageable lifelong; many are not.
How long do they live?
The typical lifespan of the Green Iguana is 15-20 years.
Do they need UVB?
Absolutely. Without high-output UVB, metabolic bone disease develops quickly.
Can you keep one in a regular cage?
No. Adults need dedicated rooms or custom large-format enclosures.
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