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Home » Green Basilisk Care – Information, Enclosure, Diet & Health

Green Basilisk Care – Information, Enclosure, Diet & Health

The Green Basilisk or Plumed Basilisk lizard, scientifically known as Basiliscus plumifrons, is a fascinating reptile native to the verdant, humid lowland areas of Central America.

Also referred to as the Jesus Christ lizard, this species earned its name due to its remarkable ability to run on water.

The Green Basilisk lizard is often admired for its stunning appearance, characterized by its bright green coloration, crest on its head, and a row of dorsal scales resembling spines.

Its striking features and unique behaviors make it a remarkable creature in the animal kingdom, and makes for an intriguing and captivating pet for reptile enthusiasts.

Green Basilisk (Plumed Basilisk)
Green Basilisk (Plumed Basilisk)

Green Basilisk Care Sheet

Common NameGreen Basilisk
Plumed Basilisk
Scientific NameBasiliscus plumifrons
LifespanUp to 10 years (in captivity)
Size as Adult2 to 2.5 ft (0.61 to 0.76 m) (including the tail)
WeightUp to 7 oz (200 g)
DietOmnivore
Enclosure Size Requirements6 feet long, 2 feet wide, 4 feet high
Enclosure Temperature Requirements75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C)
Humidity Requirements55% to 75%

Green Basilisk Physical Appearance

The Green Basilisk is a reptile species known for its striking and unique physical features and abilities. These lizards are often referred to as the “Jesus Christ lizard” due to their incredible ability to run on water. Here are some key characteristics of their physical appearance:

Size: Green Basilisks can reach a size of 2 to 2.5 feet (0.61 to 0.76 meters), including their tail. Males are typically larger than females.

Coloration: As their name suggests, Green Basilisks have vibrant green bodies that serve as excellent camouflage in their natural habitat. Their skin may also feature lighter shades of blue, white, or gray markings, as well as darker stripes. The belly of the basilisk is often a lighter green color, creating a striking contrast.

Crests: The alterntive name Plumed Basilisk is also due to their physical features. Males of the species possess showy crests on their heads and backs, which are used to impress females during courtship displays.

Adult males have four crests, including a small one behind the eyes, a larger crest at the back of the head, a dorsal crest, and a crest running the length of their tail. Females may have less pronounced crests.

Body Structure: Green Basilisks have long, thin bodies with slender limbs. They have sharp claws that aid in climbing and gripping surfaces.

Eye Color: Their eyes are typically brown or dark in color, providing excellent vision for hunting and navigating their environment.

Tail: The tail of a Green Basilisk is an important appendage that helps with balance and agility. It is long and contributes to their overall length.

Husbandry and Enclosure Requirements

Providing a suitable habitat is essential for the health and well-being of Green Basilisks. Their enclosure should be spacious to allow climbing and basking. A recommended enclosure size for an adult Green Basilisk is six feet long, two feet wide, and four feet high. It’s crucial to mimic their natural environment by incorporating branches, rocks, and plants for climbing, hiding, and basking.

Lighting is another vital aspect of their enclosure. The addition of UVB lighting, such as a T8 or T5 UV tube, is highly beneficial. This provides the necessary ultraviolet radiation required for proper calcium absorption and overall health.

Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels is crucial for Plumed Basilisks. The temperature inside the enclosure should range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), with a basking spot reaching 90°F (32°C). It’s important to provide a temperature gradient, allowing the basilisk to regulate its body temperature. Humidity levels should be maintained between 55% and 75% to ensure a comfortable and healthy environment.

Dietary Needs and Feeding Schedule

Green Basilisks are omnivorous, meaning they consume both plant matter and small animal prey.

Their diet should consist of a variety of insects, such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and roaches. Additionally, they should be offered a selection of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens to provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Feed juvenile Green Basilisks daily, offering an amount of food they can consume within a few minutes. As they grow into adults, feeding every other day or three times a week is sufficient. It’s important to provide appropriately sized prey items to prevent choking or digestive issues.

Calcium and vitamin supplements should also be dusted on their food to ensure proper nutrition and prevent deficiencies.

close up photo of a plumed basilisk / green basilisk lizard
Green Basilisk. Photo by Vincent M.A. Janssen on Pexels.com

Things to Consider

Do Green Basilisks Make Good Pets?

Green Basilisks can be fascinating pets for experienced reptile enthusiasts who are willing to provide the specialized care they require. However, they may not be suitable for everyone due to their specific needs and behaviors.

One of the factors to consider is their skittish nature. Green Basilisks are known to be easily stressed and can become aggressive if they feel threatened. This can make handling and taming a challenge, especially for beginners.

Patience, gentle handling, and creating a secure and enriched environment are essential for their well-being.

Taming and Handling:

Green Basilisks are generally not recommended as pets for inexperienced reptile owners. They are known for their skittish nature and can become stressed easily. Taming and handling should be approached with caution and patience. It’s important to give them time to acclimate to their enclosure and gain confidence before attempting any handling. When handling, it’s advisable to support their body properly and avoid sudden movements that may startle them.

Costs and Maintenance:

Before deciding to bring a Green Basilisk into your home, it’s crucial to consider the costs associated with their care. This includes the initial setup of the enclosure, heating and lighting equipment, food expenses, and regular veterinary check-ups. Additionally, maintaining the appropriate temperature and humidity levels requires consistent monitoring and adjustments. It’s important to be prepared for the long-term commitment and financial responsibility that comes with keeping a Green Basilisk as a pet.


Green Basilisk FAQs

What is the average lifespan of a Green Basilisk?

Green Basilisks can live up to 10 years in captivity if provided with proper care. However, their lifespan can vary depending on various factors, including genetics, diet, habitat conditions, and overall health.

Providing a suitable environment, a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and minimizing stressors can contribute to their longevity.

How fast do Green Basilisks grow?

Green Basilisks experience rapid growth during their first year of life. Hatchlings typically measure around 4 to 6 inches in length and can grow up to 2 to 2.5 feet (including the tail) within their first year.

Growth rate may vary depending on factors such as diet, temperature, and overall health. It’s important to provide proper nutrition and monitor their growth to ensure they are developing at a healthy pace.

What is the recommended enclosure size for Green Basilisks?

A recommended enclosure size for an adult Green Basilisk is six feet long, two feet wide, and four feet high. This provides ample space for climbing, basking, and exploring.

It’s important to mimic their natural habitat by incorporating branches, rocks, and plants for climbing, hiding, and basking. Providing a spacious enclosure allows for their physical and mental stimulation, promoting their overall well-being.

Can Green Basilisks be housed together?

Green Basilisks are generally not recommended to be housed together, especially adult males.

These animals are rather territorial and can exhibit aggressive behaviors towards one another. Keeping multiple males in the same enclosure can lead to fights and injuries.

If you plan to keep multiple Plumed Basilisks, it is advisable to provide separate enclosures for each individual or consider a larger, multi-level enclosure with ample space for each lizard to establish its own territory.

Do Green Basilisks eat fish?

Yes, Green Basilisks have been observed to eat fish. While their diet primarily consists of plants, insects, and small vertebrates, fish can be included as part of their food sources, especially in their natural habitat.

Green Basilisks are known to live near water sources, and smaller types of fish are commonly found in their diet.

In captivity, however, the diet of Green Basilisks can be more challenging to replicate accurately. Live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches, are the primary food items provided to them. While some individuals may accept fish as part of their diet, it should be offered sparingly and in appropriate sizes to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet.

Do Green Basilisks have a crest on their head?

Yes, male Green Basilisks possess showy crests on their heads. These crests are used during courtship displays to impress females. Adult males have four crests, including a small crest behind the eyes, a larger crest at the back of the head, a dorsal crest, and a crest running the length of their tail.

The crests enhance their overall appearance and add to their unique physical features. Females may have less pronounced crests compared to males, but they still exhibit some level of crest development.

Do Green Basilisks have beaks?

No, Green Basilisks do not have beaks. They have a more typical reptilian mouth structure with jaws and teeth. Their mouths are adapted for capturing and consuming prey items such as insects. Green Basilisks have sharp teeth that aid in grasping and holding onto their food.

The absence of beaks is a characteristic that distinguishes them from certain bird species, which have specialized beak structures for feeding and manipulating food.

Instead, Green Basilisks rely on their agile jaws and teeth to effectively consume their preferred prey items.

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