
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Xenagama taylori
An agama with a curious tail: the base expands into a broad disc that ends abruptly in a slender filament. It is the smallest species of Xenagama, with males larger than females, and lives in the arid Horn of Africa.
The turnip-tailed agama (Xenagama taylori) is an agamid lizard endemic to the Horn of Africa. It is the smallest species of Xenagama, with males larger than females. The tail is much shorter than the head and body, its base strongly developed into a disc that merges abruptly into a slender terminal filament, the shape that characterises the genus. Scales on the upper surface of the disc range from smooth to keeled and spinose, the keeled ones forming longitudinal rows from the base towards the filament. The discoidal part is arranged in whorls of a single scale ring each, while the filament has no distinct whorls. There is no nuchal crest, and the ear opening is bordered in front and above by a single row of short conical scales. It occurs in arid country in north-western Somalia and eastern Ethiopia and is oviparous. Husbandry records are few and little enters trade in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Turnip-Tailed Agama lives 3-5 years.
Origin
North-western Somalia and eastern Ethiopia in the Horn of Africa; the type locality is the Haud in Somalia at about 1,036 m elevation
Lifespan
3-5 years
Temperature
25〜32℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Small invertebrates, mainly insects
Sources: Reptile Database: Xenagama taylori / Wikipedia (English): Shield-tailed agama / Wikipedia (English): Xenagama
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.
Accepted name: Xenagama taylori (Parker, 1935)
Synonyms: Agama taylori Parker, 1935
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Not listed in any CITES appendix (not recorded in Species+). IUCN Red List assessment: Least Concern (LC). This species is not included in either the specified animals listed in the appended table of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Animal Welfare and Management Law, nor the specified invasive alien species under the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Invasive Alien Species Act.
Sources: CITES Species+ (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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It lives in arid country at around 1,000 m in north-western Somalia and eastern Ethiopia. As a diurnal agamid it should have a strong basking spot and genuinely cool shade in the same enclosure, with a proper night-time drop.
A small ground-dwelling species of arid country, it needs a sandy substrate deep enough to dig in and hides sized so that it can block the entrance with its disc-shaped tail. Build basking perches from rock and cork, seating them on the enclosure floor before adding substrate so nothing collapses.
It feeds on invertebrates, chiefly small insects. In captivity offer small crickets and roach nymphs scaled to its size, dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements. Being diurnal, it should be given UVB lighting.
As with other small agamids, males fight over territory and must not be housed together; keep one male with females. Species-specific husbandry information is limited, so start animals singly and introduce them only after observing their condition.
Not listed on any CITES appendix. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern. It appears neither on the schedule of designated dangerous animals under the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals nor on Japan's list of invasive alien species. Several species in the genus share the same English names, so check the scientific name when buying.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Turnip-Tailed Agama is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Turnip-Tailed Agama feeds on: Small invertebrates, mainly insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Turnip-Tailed Agama varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026