Uromastyx a.k.a Spiney-Tailed Lizard
Intro to Uromastyx
Uromastyx are desert dwelling lizards from Africa that are becoming a popular pet lizard. They are best known for their "Spiney Tail" and for their extremely hot basking requirements. There are a variety of species which display different colors, patterns, and will grow to different sizes. With proper care and enrichment they can make rewarding pets for keepers of all experience levels.
Uromastyx Care
Young Uromastyx are commonly kept in 20 gallon tanks, whereas adults can go into 4 ft enclosures. Though these lizards are primarily ground dwellers and diggers, they will utilize some vertical space. You may decorate their enclosures with foliage, caves, and logs as this may give them enrichment. They need a basking temperature of ~130 degrees F, an ambient temperature of ~85 degrees F, and a humidity level of 15-25%. Combine that with a Desert UVB and your Uromastyx is ready for success!
Uro's seldom drink water from a bowl, they get the majority of their water from a light misting or their veggies. Their diet is easy! They can eat leafy greens (like spring mix), some flowers, dates, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, grassland tortoise pellets, and even finch seeds. Mix this with a multivitamin and calcium to promote proper growth. Giving them their proper care will ensure a life of 15+ years.
Uromastyx For Sale in the Pet Trade
Uromastyx usually seen in the pet trade:
| Species | Size | Availability | Visual Difference |
| Nigerian (U. geyri) | ~1 1/2 feet | Common | Available in both Yellow and Red variations |
| Egyptian (U. aegyptia) | ~3 feet | Rare | Largest Uro's. Usually Tan or gray |
| Ornate (U. ornata) | ~1 foot | Uncommon | Gorgeous glue and green coloration |
| Ocellated (U. ocellatus) | ~1 foot | Rare | Gray coloration |
| Moroccan (U. acanthinurus nigriventris) | ~1 1/2 feet | Uncommon | Medium size with black, orange, yellow, red and white coloration |
Reptile breeders are starting to heavily work with different species of Uromastyx due to their growing popularity, but Captive Bred animals are not as common. The majority of these lizards that are in the pet trade are Wild Caught Imported Animals. Though imported animals may have a negative stigma, these are brought in legally with proper paperwork and in quantities that are allowed through governing laws.
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