How difficult is it to keep Brown Basilisk?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the lifespan of Brown Basilisk?

The average lifespan of Brown Basilisk is 12-15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Brown Basilisk get?

Brown Basilisk typically reaches Males up to 61cm total length, females somewhat smaller; 200-600g as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What is the typical price for Brown Basilisk?

The price of Brown Basilisk varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Brown Basilisk

Q: What should I feed Brown Basilisk?

Brown Basilisk feeds on: Omnivorous with a strong animal bias: insects, other arthropods, small reptiles, birds and mammals, and fruit. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Intermediate

Basiliscus vittatus

A basilisk in brown to olive-brown with black crossbands and a white stripe running from the eye to the hind legs. It carries a three-part crest on head, back and tail, larger in males, and runs across water on the skin flaps fringing its hind toes.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

12-15 years

Size

Males up to 61cm total length, females somewhat smaller; 200-600g

Humidity

45〜75%

Diet

Omnivorous with a strong animal bias: insects, other arthropods, small reptiles, birds and mammals, and fruit

About

The brown basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus) is a corytophanid lizard ranging from Mexico through Central America. Colour is brown to olive brown, with black crossbands on the flanks and dorsal crest and a white stripe running from the eye to the hind legs. Crests are developed at three points, on the head, back and tail, and are larger in males. The hind feet are large, with narrow flaps of skin along the outer edge of each toe that support its ability to run across water. Startled, it either drops into the water or rears onto its hind legs and sprints across the surface. It lives in riparian forest and spends much of its time on branches overhanging water. Omnivorous with a strong animal bias, it takes insects and other arthropods as well as small vertebrates and fruit. It is established as an invasive species in Florida. Large and hardy for the genus, it is nonetheless territorial and has a nervous streak.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Brown Basilisk

The Brown Basilisk lives 12-15 years.

Size of the Brown Basilisk

The Brown Basilisk grows to Males up to 61cm total length, females somewhat smaller; 200-600g.

Males reach 61 cm in total length and females are somewhat smaller, with weights of 200-600 g.

Basic Info

Origin

Mexico through Central America (Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama) in riparian forest at 120-1,400 m; introduced to Florida in the United States

Lifespan

12-15 years

Care Specifications

Semi-aggressiveSolitaryBreeding: Moderate

Sources: Reptiles Magazine: Basilisk Lizard Information And Care / Reptiles Magazine: Basilisk Lizard Care And Information / Reptile Database: Basiliscus vittatus

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Basiliscus vittatus Wiegmann, 1828

Synonyms: Cristasaurus mitrella Gray, 1852, Dactylocalotes elisa Werner, 1893

Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

It is not listed in the CITES appendices (no record in Species+). Its IUCN Red List assessment is Least Concern (LC). It is not included among the designated animals specified in the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals Enforcement Decree, nor among the designated invasive species under the Invasive Species Law Enforcement Decree. It is established as an invasive species in Florida, United States.

Sources: CITES Species+ (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.