How long do Green Basilisks live?
Green basilisks live 6-10 years in captivity and reach 2-3 feet (60-90 cm), mostly tail, with males larger and crested. Adults weigh 200-400 grams.
What do Green Basilisks eat?
They are omnivores: crickets, roaches, and other insects form the base, supplemented with leafy greens, flowers, and bits of fruit. Feed insects daily for juveniles and every other day for adults, dusted with calcium and a D3 multivitamin 1-2 times weekly. Avoid overfeeding fruit (gut issues) and never feed wild-caught insects.
Green Basilisk enclosure setup
Adults require a large vertical enclosure roughly 4x2x4 feet (120x60x120 cm) with sturdy branches and a substantial water pool (they swim and drink from it). Keep 80-90°F (27-32°C) with a basking spot near 95°F (35°C) and a cooler zone; nights drop to 72°F (22°C). Humidity should be 60-80% with daily misting. Provide strong UVB (10-12% T5). A powerful filter is needed for the water feature.
Common mistakes with Green Basilisks
Common failures: an enclosure with no real water pool (they are semi-aquatic and stress without it), humidity too low (shed and respiratory issues), no strong UVB (MBD), and a cage too small for a 3-foot climber/swimmer.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- No swimming pool / water feature — they are semi-aquatic and decline without it.
- Humidity under 60% — poor sheds and respiratory infection.
- Weak UVB or none — metabolic bone disease.
- Cage too small for a 3-foot active lizard — stress and injury.