The green basilisk is triangular-headed lizard that has a compressed body and tiny green scales. The unique appearance of this lizard is due to its gray, white, and light blue markings. The green basilisk was originally found in Central America, where it can be found in the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Although keeping them can be difficult, their vibrant colors and interesting behavior make them a popular choice for reptile lovers. Green basilisk Lizards need large enclosures, constant attention to their diet, and controlled temperature.
Green Basilisk Overview*
| Common name (s). | Green basilisk. Double crested basilisk. Plummed basilisk. |
| Scientific name | Basiliscus plumifron |
| Natural habitat | Central America’s tropical rainforests |
| Size for adults | Two feet (inclusive of the tail). |
| Average life expectancy | 5-6 years in the wild, 10 years in captivity |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Housing | Vivarium |
| Experience level | Expert |
See more: Green Anole, Green Iguana
Origin
The green basilisk ( Basiliscus plumbifrons ) is an endemic species in Central America. It can be found in the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, Honduras and Panama. Semi-arboreal, semi-aquatic lizards are agile on the ground as well as in water. The sea-level elevation at which they can thrive is 2,542 feet.
In their natural habitat, they are quite common. This exotic species is well-known for its ability walk and run on water using its two hind legs. Because of its vibrant colors and high level of activity, the green basilisk lizard is a popular reptile species.
Appearance & Behavior
Green basilisks are slender-bodied, triangular-shaped lizards that have a laterally compressed body and triangular-shaped head. The long, whip-like tails of the lizards are accompanied by long, unfurling toes when they run on water. They have crests running lengthwise from the tip of their heads to the end of their tails.
They are brightly colored with light blue, white, or gray spots all over their bodies. Some green basilisks have thin, black bands around the tails while others don’t. These lizards’ eyes have a yellow-colored iris and round pupils.
The male green basilisks are larger than the females. To impress their female partners, the males have distinctive double-high crests on top of their heads. The crests on the heads and tails of female green basilisks are smaller.
Lifespan
They average two feet in length, including the tail. The length of a green basilisk’s tail is 25 inches, more than half of its total length. They are seven ounces in weight.
They live an average of five to six years in the wild, and up to ten years in captivity. Because they are not protected against predators like birds and snakes, the lifespan of a wild green basilisk is much shorter. These lizards will live in captivity for as long as they are provided with proper living conditions, food, and habitat.
Temperament
Green basilisks get upset easily. When they feel threatened, they can become aggressive and puff out their necks, snarling and even displaying aggression. They are also capable of biting, but they’re not poisonous.
They can hop and shimmy on sand when they feel danger. They are territorial creatures that spend their time in trees and on rocks near water bodies. Male green basilisks are territorial and will defend their territory from other males.
Fighting can result from keeping more than one male in an enclosure. Although female green basilisks can be kept together in one enclosure, it is better to keep only one female. Only when they are mating, can single male and female green basilisks live together.
It is difficult to manage green basilisks. They can be shy, anxious, and temperamental. Stress can result from handling them in a careless manner.
Housing Green Basilisks
The lizards will live a happy and healthy life if they mimic the natural habitat of the green basilisks. The green basilisk’s wild habitat is rich in dense vegetation, leaves for climbing and resting, and rocks to relax on. It also has a nearby water source.
A wooden vivarium is the best enclosure for them. Wooden vivariums provide consistent humidity and temperature, which is crucial for this species. They love to climb on branches and appreciate a tall vivarium.
Green basilisks are found in tropical rainforests. They are semi-aquatic, semi-arboreal and live in humid areas. Ideal is a vivarium that has both an aquatic and arboreal section.
Enclosure size
The vivarium of a green basilisk should be six feet in length, two feet wide and four feet tall. These large lizards require plenty of space to move about. Although they can be raised in a 50-gallon tank, they will need larger quarters as their growth continues.
Lighting
UVB lighting can be a great addition to your green basilisk enclosed. Ideal is a T8 or T5 ultraviolet tube, mounted about 12 inches above the basking area. The green basilisk is a diurnal animal, so UV lighting aids in bone and muscle development as well as regulates the day and night cycles.
To ensure that your green basilisk is able to have a night and day cycle, you should switch off all lights at night. To ensure that the lamps emit light evenly, replace the UV tubes six months after the T8 lamps and twelve months after the T5 lamps.
Humidity and Temperature
Green basilisks can be described as tropical lizards. Their health is dependent on the proper temperature and humidity.
Different areas of the green basilisk’s enclosure may require different temperatures. The temperature of the ambient air should be between 90 and 95 degrees with a basking spot at 95° Fahrenheit in the day and 75 to 80 degrees at night.
While aiming at the basking spot, make sure the heat source covers at least 1/3 the enclosure. An excellent spot for basking is a basking lamp that’s attached to a dimming thermostat at one end of the enclosure.
The humidity in the vivarium should range from 60% to 70% throughout the year. It is best to mist the enclosure two times per day using an automated misting system. This will maintain a constant humidity level. To ensure that humidity levels remain within the desired range, use a hygrometer and a thermostat.
The green basilisk’s skin sheds naturally. At regular intervals, the lizard sheds its skin in flakes and patches. Your lizard might experience abnormal skin drying or shedding if you don’t keep the temperature and humidity levels at the right level.
Substrate and Decoration
Eco-earth is the best substrate for your green basilisk garden. You can also use jungle mix and plantation soil. Coconut coir and dried leaves are also suitable for providing a soft surface that helps maintain humidity.
To allow burrowing, the substrate should be at least four inches in depth. You should ensure that the substrate can withstand the claws of them. You can also add a few rocks, branches and plants to climb.
The green basilisk is semi-arboreal, so it’s important to have a variety of perches on different levels in your vivarium. The green basilisk is semi-aquatic, and will swim in its natural habitat. An enclosure that has enough water to allow your green basilisks to swim in is ideal.
They bask most of the time. The basking lamp can be placed next to a large rock, which will provide warmth for the lizard.
Cleaning
Spot clean your vivarium daily and clean it at least once a week to maintain maximum hygiene. Use a damp cloth to clean the enclosure. You can also disinfect it with weak bleach. Before returning your green basilisk, thoroughly rinse the enclosure.
To maintain a clean enclosure, remove feces daily and any uneaten food. Avoid using disinfectants and scented cleaners as they can cause irritation to the green basilisk’s respiratory system.
Green Basilisk Lizard Care
It can be difficult to care for them. It can be difficult for new hobbyists to maintain the required high humidity levels and temperatures for the lizard. The best people to care for the green basilisk are professionals and experts who have handled the species before.
The most important aspect of caring for them involves creating an environment that is similar to their natural habitat. It is important to maintain proper temperatures and constant humidity. A suitable substrate and perching areas are also important.
Food and Water
Omnivorous green basilisks can be found in the wild. The lizards eat wild vegetables and insects. Healthy growth can be ensured by providing fresh vegetables, insects, small invertebrates, and other food sources for your green basilisk. At ten-minute intervals, feed your lizard crickets and silkworms, termites or other feeder insects. You can balance your diet with vegetables such as collard greens and spring mix.
Insectivorous means that they prefer small insects to feed on. Your hatchling should be provided with small crickets and fruit flies. To avoid indigestion or bloating, introduce vegetables gradually to adults and juveniles.
The hatchling green basilisks should be fed three times a day. Juveniles should be fed once a day and adults, three times a day. Your green basilisk should have access to clean, unchlorinated water. They should not be fed food that is larger than their heads. The lizards can choke on large foods and become ill.
Handling
They are not fond of being handled. They prefer to be left alone and will act aggressively if you attempt to touch them. Some green basilisks are able to tolerate human contact and will settle down after they become used to it. Regularly handling green basilisks can help to build trust and reduce aggression.
If you want to properly handle a green basilisk, scoop it from the bottom and support its weight as much as you can. As this could lead to stress and aggressive behavior, it is best not to grab the lizard from high up. Begin with very brief handling sessions and increase your time.
They can be stressed by nearby predators like birds, snakes, or other reptiles. Stress can also be caused by territorial fights between males. Stress can cause your green basilisk to bang its nose against the enclosure’s sides and bob its head. It may also hide in corners of the enclosure if it is feeling stressed.
Common Health Issues
Parasites and other diseases can attack green basilisks. They are susceptible to vitamin A deficiency and metabolic bone disease.
Vitamin A deficiencies are a common problem, especially for young children and hatchlings. The symptoms include loss of appetite, yellowish discoloration of mucous membranes and a decrease in appetite. The immune system and eyesight of green basilisks is affected by a lack of vitamin A, which makes them more susceptible to other infections.
Vitamin A deficiency can be treated by feeding the lizard carrots and dark leafy vegetables. They also benefits from vitamin A in fighting parasitic infections.
A lack of calcium or vitamin D can lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD). This disease can cause loss of appetite, lethargy and seizures. MBD in severe cases requires oral administration of calcium, gluconate or injection with calcium gluconate.
Rostral injuries can be caused by territorial fights and nose banging. The symptoms include swelling and bleeding around the nose and face. To treat rostral injuries, a vet will need to prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications. These injuries can be prevented by avoiding stressful situations and keeping your enclosure clean.
Breeding
It is easy to breed green basilisks. It is usually easy to introduce the male and female into the same vivarium and they will mate.
To incite breeding, green basilisks do not require a specific temperature or light requirement. For breeding, the standard parameters are sufficient to ensure that the lizard survives. Although breeding in the wild can be affected by seasonal changes, nourished green basilisks are able to breed all year.
For successful breeding, you will need to set up a breeding vivarium. For breeding pairs, a 50-gallon tank will suffice. For the female to dig her nesting holes, she will need moist soil that is at least 12 inches in depth. To encourage the females to dig and lay eggs, soil temperatures should not exceed 85F.
After a few days, introduce the male first and then the female. The female reproductive green basilisk should eat minnows every day. Add calcium and vitamin D3 to the food.
The female will release pheromones that the male will respond to and then proceed to conceive. The female may not show aggression or show little resistance. Copulation can take several minutes to an entire hour.
A female green basilisk carrying eggs appears full-grown and bloated. She will burrow in the substrate to lay her eggs after about two months. In 3-5 minutes, the female will lay 10 eggs and then cover them with substrate.
The eggs should be kept at 84-88F with constant humidity. After 60 to 70 days, the eggs will begin to hatch. The hatchlings will start eating within seven days. You can feed the hatchlings small mealworms and waxworms, as well as fruit flies.
To reduce your chances of them dying, make sure you maintain the required vivarium parameters. Green basilisks can become sexually mature after a year and half.
Choosing a Green Basilisk
Prices for one range from $30 to $100 depending on their age, size and breeder. These lizards can be found in pet shops, reptile expos, online reptile shops, and other places. Professional breeders can also sell them. The United States does not have any restrictions on the importation or export of them.
Before purchasing, make sure to check the health of them, including their eyesight, skin and other signs of illness. Green basilisks that are healthy are alert and bright green, with fully extended tails.
