UromastyxUromastyx spp.
Uromastyx, sometimes called spiny-tailed lizards, come from the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. They're mostly vegetarian, love extreme heat and can live for decades.
Enclosure
Smaller species need at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm; large species like the Egyptian uromastyx need far more. Give them a deep substrate to dig burrows.
Heating
Uromastyx need one of the hottest basking surfaces of any pet reptile: 49–55°C, measured with a temperature gun. The cool end should sit around 29°C.
Lighting & UVB
Very strong UVB is essential: a T5 HO 14% tube giving a UVI of 4.5–6.0 at the basking spot, plus bright daylight lighting.
Humidity & water
Keep it dry, at 20–30% humidity. Chronic high humidity makes them ill. A small dish of fresh water should always be available.
Diet & feeding
Around 90% of the diet should be leafy greens and flowers, with small amounts of hard vegetables and seeds (no more than weekly).
Juveniles eat daily; adults 4–5 times a week. Insects and fruit are rare treats at most.
Supplements
Add calcium and a multivitamin to food about twice a week.
Handling
Leave a new uromastyx alone for about 2 weeks. Hand-feeding builds trust; always scoop from below rather than grabbing from above.
Health watch
Respiratory problems from high humidity, obesity from too many seeds, and metabolic bone disease from poor UVB.
Every animal is an individual. Use this sheet as a starting point, measure temperatures and UVB properly, and speak to an exotic vet about any health concerns.
Last updated October 2026. Care guidance is subject to change as husbandry research develops.
