The agama is a docile lizard that belongs to the Old World Lizards family. The agama is a sub-Saharan African lizard that lives in semi-desert and arid environments. Adult lizards can grow to 12 inches in length and have a black/brown coloration, with a white underbelly.
Agama lizards can be cared for easily and are best suited for intermediate and beginner reptile hobbyists. These lizards can last up to 25 years if they are given the proper care and have access to the right food.
Agama Lizard Overview
| Common name | Agama is a red-headed rock agama or rainbow agama. |
| Scientific name | Agama |
| Natural habitat | Sub-Saharan Africa has semi-desert and arid environments. |
| Size for adults | 5- 2 inches |
| Average life expectancy | 20-25 Years |
| Diet | Termites, ants, grasshoppers and small mammals. |
| Housing | A fish tank that has plenty of ground space, natural branches, rocks, heat lamp, heatstone, and soil or sand substrate. |
| Experience level | Intermediate & beginner |
Agama Lizard Origin
The Sub-Saharan Africa is home to the agama (Agama) lizard. Although its natural habitat is desert-like and dry, the agama Lizard can be found in thosech and similar areas in villages.
It is found in India, Madagascar, and the dry Mediterranean areas of Europe. It is also found in Southern Florida and surrounding areas. Agama lizards were brought to the United States via the reptile trade.
Although they are common in urban and wild areas, the agama Lizard can be found in brush and vegetation.
Appearance & Behavior
Agama lizards are usually grey or brown but can also display other colors. Rainbow lizards are often called this because dominant males can change their colors to attract females. When males assert their dominance, their bodies can turn blue and their heads yellow.
Subordinate males and females both have olive-green heads. Both male and female agamalizards have a white belly and a light-colored stripe running down their tails. The stripe is also accompanied by dark patches of skin. These lizards also have an external ear opening and eyelid, as well as incisors or cheek teeth.
Agama lizards can be mild-mannered and are docile. If threatened, males will bob their heads to defend their territory. They will also change their color to scare off potential predators. Males protect their territory by using their tails and charging with their mouths wide open.
During mating, males try to get the attention of females. Males bob their heads until females give them permission to mate. During mating, males can also change their color.
Agama Lizards are territorial and live with other lizards in the wild. The groups typically consist of one dominant male and several females as well as subordinate males. Subordinate males must either usurp the headcock or establish their territory to mate.
Agama lizards can be found active throughout the day. These lizards enjoy the sun’s rays during the hottest hours of day, which is usually between 10 and 12 noon.
The enclosure will have the dominant male taking the highest spot, while the females and other males will be sat below him. Morning basking will be more effective because the agama’s colors will change later in the day.
Lifespan
The average length of the agama-lizard is 5-12 inches. They don’t have prominent dewlaps and crests like other lizards. Their tail is longer than their body, and this accounts for a large part of their length. On average, the male agama Lizard is 3 to 5 inches larger than the female.
Agama lizards can live for between 20- 25 years. They can live upto 25 years in captivity. Captive lizards don’t have to be exposed to predators or other dangers which extends their life expectancy.
Temperament
Agama lizards tend to be docile, but will fight with other reptiles when they feel threatened or scared. You might see your captive lizard raise and lower its head to intimidate predators.
Agama lizards should not be kept in close quarters. Experts recommend that at least three Agama lizards be kept together in a group. Groups should contain one male and two women.
The lizards are easy to hold and can be trained to become more calm the more you handle them. Agama lizards won’t bite or hurt their handlers unless they are threatened. You can clean any bites with warm water and antibacterial soap.
Housing Agama Lizards
You should keep the agama lizard in captivity as they prefer hot, dry, and vegetated climates.
This species of lizard can be active so make sure to keep this in mind when selecting a tank. An aquarium, or vivarium are good options for housing an agama Lizard.
You can cover the tank’s bottom with sand or soil substrate. You can use rocks to make hiding places, or add branches and artificial plants for your lizards to climb and play. To keep your lizards warm, add a water bowl or heat lamp. This will allow them to enjoy the heat.
Enclosure Size
How many lizards you have will determine how big the enclosure should be. If your group is small, an aquarium can be a great way to keep your agamas lizards in check. For a group of three, the enclosure should measure 48x24x24 inches.
Lighting
You will need a heat lamp for lizards. A basking lamp is an excellent choice. You should also choose a lamp that has a constant red light. The UVB rays are also important for Agama Lizards. A desert lamp of 10% is a good option.
Humidity and Temperature
The enclosure temperature must remain constant. Keep it between 80 and 85 degrees during the day, and 74 to 78 at night. The temperature of the basking area should be 95 degrees F. A heating pad can stabilize the temperature in the enclosure.
Agama lizards need to be kept at 40- 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can monitor the humidity level throughout the day by using a hygrometer.
Agama lizards shed skin so it is important to maintain their skin moisture. Your lizards can shed their entire body in a matter of days. If the temperature and humidity are right, they will shed when it is most convenient.
Substrate and Decoration
You can cover the enclosure’s bottom with soil, sand or a combination substrate. To make shelters for the agama, decorate the tank with branches, rocks, and artificial plants. They require a place where they can rest and sleep in warmth, dry places.
Avoid overcrowding your tank as the agama-lizard requires space to move about in. To give the lizard space to roam, separate decorations can be placed in the tank.
Cleaning
It is important to keep your enclosure clean. It is important to change the water in your lizard’s tank, clean out the enclosure on a daily basis, remove the substrate and clean it thoroughly every four months.
Once a year, remove the contents from the enclosure and clean accessories and decorations. Use soap & water, avoid using harsh chemicals.
During spot cleaning, lizards may be left in their enclosure. While deep cleaning is taking place, move the lizards into a temporary enclosure. Make sure your temporary enclosure is large and deep. Also, make sure it has a water bowl so the lizards can drink from it.
Agama Lizard Care
The agama is easy to maintain and is a great reptile for beginners and intermediates. A lizard requires a comfortable living space, companions (males should not be kept together), and gentle handling. Your agama will thrive if you take proper care of it.
Food and Water
Your adult agama-lizard should be fed 15-20 crickets daily or 10 superworms every other week. To prevent choking, ensure that the insects are not larger than the head of the lizard.
Agama lizards can be considered insectivores. They eat insects and bugs. Agama lizards eat grasshoppers, ants, beetles and other insects in the wild. Small mammals and reptiles are sometimes eaten by agamas. Captive agamas should not eat superworms, mealworms or crickets.
The water supply for your agama-lizard should be clean and fresh. The agama Lizard should not drink still water. Instead, it should have access to water through an waterstone or water pump.
Handling
Agama lizards can be handled safely. The lizards are safe if their handlers remain calm and don’t feel threatened or stressed. It takes time for Agama Lizards to become comfortable with handling. They are also easy to handle, so be aware of any changes in their behavior.
When they feel threatened or stressed, Agama lizards will shut their eyes. You should return them to their enclosure.
Common Health Issues
A common health problem for agama Lizards is the metabolic bone disorder. This health problem can be caused by insufficient lighting or nutrient deficiency.
Calcium supplements can be taken by an agama-lizard with metabolic bone disorders. Calcium supplements can also help with breeding. Other parasites such as mites and worms can also be a problem.
Respiratory issues and bacterial infections can also affect Agama Lizards. This is often caused by unsanitary enclosures and dirty water. These are signs to watch out for:
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Appetite loss
- Behavior changes
A special diet should be followed for sick lizards. For certain conditions, light therapy and antibiotics may also be options.
Breeding
In captivity, Agama Lizards can reproduce all year. In the wild, however, reproduction takes place during the wet season. At 14 months of age, females are sexually mature. Males at two years of age reach sexual maturity.
To lay eggs, females dig holes in sandy soil. The hole will be covered by grass and vegetation by the females.
External factors like incubation temperature determine the gender of hatchlings. Eggs hatch in eight to ten weeks.
- Start the breeding process from March to May.
- For breeding success, keep two to three females and one male.
- Make sure the enclosure contains a designated area for the eggs. Place the eggs in a plastic container or lay box containing soft dirt and sphagnum moss.
- A female agama Lizard can lay up to 20 eggs per year.
- Place the eggs in an incubator at 85 degrees F (29.5 degrees C) and remove them from the tank.
- It can take eggs up to three months to hatch.
- Baby agama Lizards are only a few inches in length and should be kept with newspaper in a 10-20 gallon enclosure.
- Feed juvenile hatchlings crickets.
- Separate males from females as soon possible
Choosing an Agama Lizard
You can purchase your lizard online, from a trusted breeder, pet shop, or at a local pet store. Agama lizards are usually available in pet shops for $25 each.
Before purchasing agama, you should inspect them. Healthy lizards should have smooth, firm skin. They should also be active and vibrant, which can be easy to spot. This is a wonderful pet that reptile-lovers can enjoy caring for.
