Basilisk Lizard
The Basilisk Lizard is also Known as the Jesus Lizard
There are four different types of lizards in the genus Basiliscus--these are the common Basilisk Lizard, the green Basilisk Lizard, the brown Basilisk Lizard and the striped Basilisk Lizard. They all originated in Central and South America. The Basilisk Lizard is quite large, growing to be around two and a half feet long. They weigh about 3.2 ounces. The males have a crest on their backs.
The Basilisk Lizard is known as the “Jesus Lizard,” or the “Jesus Christ Lizard” because it appears to walk on water. The have webbed feet and when they the run fast they can run on the surface of the water for a distance of about 15 feet. When they get tired they fall onto all fours and swim like any other animal. They can also stay underwater for as long as half an hour. The Basilisk Lizard is an omnivore, eating plants, fruit, insects and fish. They live mainly in Latin America anywhere there is a body of water.
The Basilisk Lizard is not entirely friendly and will fight if confined with other lizards. They also do not like to be handled and it may take a long time to develop a relationship with one. They are so large they need a terrarium that is a minimum of fifty-five gallons. The also need full spectrum UV lighting for most of every day. The Basilisk Lizard needs very warm temperatures, averaging 85 degrees during the day and up to 95 degrees in his basking area. Mist the enclosure a lot as they need constant humidity.
When it comes to feeding, the Basilisk Lizard eats insects, such as mealworms, crickets, roaches and earthworms as well as vegetables, fruit, and plants. They need extra high humidity to breed as well as twelve hours of light and twelve hours of darkness. In approximately three weeks the female will lay eggs, usually between eight and eighteen. Eggs will have to be incubated if the lizard is in captivity. They will hatch in around 10 days and become full-grown at one and a half to two years of age.
Many times it is hard to buy a healthy Basilisk Lizard from a store. If you do, be sure to check for discoloration around the mouth and look over his whole body for bruises. Also try to find out what the store clerk knows about where he came from and what he has been fed.
Remember that the Basilisk needs plenty of water as they like to bathe a lot. They are also great climbers so set up some limbs and perches for them to climb up. Overall, the Basilisk will make a nice pet but you must spend a lot of time alone with him to get him used to being around human beings.