Origin

Tropical Forests

Habitat

Forests

Average Size

10-16 Inches

Lifespan

5-8 years

Diet

These anoles seldom drink from standing water and need to have a waterfall or at the very least a bowl with an airstone and pump to create moving water. Misting twice daily is recommended.

Food sources can be crickets, waxworms, beheaded mealworms, pinkie mice and earthworms. Some cuban knight anoles may nibble on fresh greens if given the opportunity and as an owner you may want to try an assortment of greens but do not expect the anole to live completely on fruits and vegetables!

Housing

These are a tree dwelling lizard that requires a well-ventilated wire or mesh cage with plenty of room to climb. One option would be to use a reptarium mesh enclosure. The Cuban knight anoles require plenty of room to help prevent fighting which may occur. Anytime you do put two animals together you do take a chance that the animals may fight but keeping the animals in a large enclosure and keeping them well fed will help prevent these fights. The cage should contain a soil or bark mixture for substrate-we recommend jungle mix and repti bark or forest bed. The cage needs to contain several branches and plastic plants for climbing and hiding in and even some live plants will be appreciated.

Heating & Lighting Requirements

Daytime temperatures should range between 80 and 86 on the heated side and the other side should be cooler giving the animal a chance to decide what temperature its body needs. Reptiles can overheat in a matter of minutes so be sure to check the temperature before putting the animals inside. Reptiles which are kept too cool will have difficulty digesting their food and difficulty with normal body functions. Keeping the reptile too cool will also weaken their immune system and allow simple health problems to take over their body. It is important to have two thermometers in the enclosure to properly measure the temperature range.

The night temperature can drop to approximately 70 degrees and is normally achieved by using a black or red bulb for heat-these bulbs give off heat but not light that the animal senses thus providing them with a natural night (dark) cycle.

Fluorescent light bulbs need to be replaced every six months. These long tube shaped bulbs do not give off heat but do give off beneficial UVB rays which allow the animals to use vitamins and minerals from their food. Without the proper fluorescent light, the anoles will use the stored vitamins and minerals from their bones. One of the most common problems that occur with animals kept without fluorescent light is that they develop metabolic bone disease. Problems with digestion may also occur if the animal is not given access to fluorescent light.

Handling

These anoles generally do not tolerate handling and they should only be handled when necessary-over stimulating can cause stress which will weaken the immune system and cause the animal to become ill. Anoles have sensitive skin which can tear if pulled on too tightly. Remember that when you handle a reptile you are removing it from its heated environment.

Helpful Hints

We do strive to help our customers keep their animals healthy. We recommend vet visits for all animals and we suggest that the owner purchase a book about their pets. If you do notice any signs of illness it is very important to seek treatment right away as most animals hide their illness until it is in an advanced stage.

Knowing your tank is hot is not enough- use two thermometers to monitor the temperature before putting the animal inside. Keeping an animal too cool can cause problems and overheating can cause death in as little as a few minutes.