The numbers
Enclosure
120 × 60 × 60 cm
Diet
Dubia, crickets, BSF larvae · ~60% greens/veg; insects 2–3×/week
Temperature
cool 27–29 °C (80–85 °F) / night 18–24 °C
Humidity
30–40%
UVB
T5 HO 10–12% across 2/3 length; replace ~6–12 mo
Identity
Family / Order
Agamidae / Squamata
Adult size
40–60 cm
Lifespan (captivity)
8–12 yrs (up to 14)
Activity
Diurnal; terrestrial basker
Temperament
Very docile, interactive; top beginner lizard
Price (THB)
~1,500–6,000 (morphs more)
Morphs
12 morphs, with how each one is inherited. 2 of them carry a documented welfare cost, and those are listed first. A morph list that hides this sells a pattern and says nothing about what it costs the animal.
SilkbackCo-dominantScaleless — genetic defect; needs special care, welfare concernSuper form: (super leatherback)Welfare risk
ParadoxanomalyMosaic pigment anomaly (not heritable as het); more common when stacking trans/zeroSuper form: —Caution
DunnerDominantAltered scale/pattern directionSuper form: —
Genetic StripeDominantDorsal stripesSuper form: —
German GiantLine-bredSize lineSuper form: —
Hypomelanistic (Hypo)RecessiveClear nails, lighterSuper form: —
LeatherbackCo-dominantReduced scales (single = fine)Super form: Silkback
Red / Citrus / Orange linesLine-bredColour line-breedingSuper form: —
Translucent (Trans)RecessiveBlue bellies as babies; can amplify paradox when stackedSuper form: —
Wero (Zero+Witblits)comboPatternless with splotchesSuper form: —
WitblitsRecessivePatternless (South Africa line)Super form: —
ZeroRecessivePatternless, no colourSuper form: —
Enclosure and conditions
Basking
38–43 °C (100–110 °F) adult; juv up to 46 °C
Cool side
27–29 °C (80–85 °F)
Night
18–24 °C
Humidity
30–40%
UVB (required)
T5 HO 10–12% across 2/3 length; replace ~6–12 mo
Min. size
120 × 60 × 60 cm (4×2×2 ft)
Substrate
Firm for juv (tile); bioactive for adults
Water
Shallow dish
Diet
Diet type
Omnivore — more plants with age
Juveniles
Insects daily + greens
Adults
~60% greens/veg; insects 2–3×/week
Staple insects
Dubia, crickets, BSF larvae
Calcium
Dust Ca (no D3) most feeds; juv every feed
Vitamins / D3
Multivitamin weekly
Avoid
Fireflies, avocado, excess spinach
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Excellent, tolerant; head-bobs & arm-waves to communicate
Cohabitation
House individually (territorial)
Brumation
May brumate (winter slow-down) — normal
Defense
Puffs a black 'beard'; rarely bites
Children
Ideal, supervised
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
~1–2 yrs
Sexing
♂: 2 hemipenal bulges + femoral pores
Clutch
15–30 eggs, multiple clutches
Incubation
~55–75 days at 28–29 °C
Note
♀ can lay infertile eggs — provide a lay box
Common health problems
Metabolic bone disease
Signsweak limbs, tremors, soft jaw
Preventadequate UVB + calcium
Impaction
Signsloose substrate / too cold to digest
Preventfirm substrate + hot basking
Atadenovirus / parasites
Signslethargy, weight loss
Preventquarantine + vet fecal test
Obesity / fatty liver
Signsoverfeeding insects
Preventincrease greens, reduce fatty feeders
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- Waves an arm to signal submission; bobs the head to assert dominance.
- Can shift color slightly with temperature and mood.
- One of the most popular pet lizards worldwide — dog-tame personality.
Common questions
Do they need UVB?
Yes — non-negotiable for health.
Can two live together?
Best kept alone.
Why is it waving its arm?
A natural social signal — normal.
What it needs
- Enclosure 120×60×60
- T5 UVB 10–12% + fixture
- Basking bulb + dome
- Thermostat/dimmer
- Tile/hardscape
- Hides + basking branch
- Calcium + multivitamin
- Feeder insects