Iguana Types:

The iguana is a type of lizard that is very commonly kept as a pet all over the world.



There are two main species of iguana that depend largely on the color of their coats. The green iguana is the more commonly found variety of iguana and is the one that is often kept as a pet in modern households.



The second species of iguana is the blue iguana and, primarily as a result of habitat destruction, is now regarded to be critically endangered and it is illegal to keep this animal as a pet as a result of this status. Both different species of iguanas sport a row of spines that run down its back on to its tail and also feature a ‘third eye’ on its forehead that is actually a small patch of very pale skin.



Both varieties also have exceedingly good vision and are able to notice the minutest of detailing on objects that are placed at considerably far distances. The iguanas are peculiar in that they use visual signals to communicate with each other and respond to a visual stimulus of rather bright colors such as pink, orange, yellow or, sometimes, blue.

Housing any species of iguana requires the utmost care and precaution. Given the fact that iguanas are warm blooded creatures and are thus, incapable of regulating their own body temperature, it is essential that the environmental temperature around them be constantly regulated. The green iguana must be housed in a 30 gallon aquarium tank that has been floored with artificial grass or linoleum. Avoid using materials such as sand or wood shavings for the flooring as there is likelihood that the animal may ingest some of the particles – which would then lead to a number of digestive complications. Try placing a dried twig or short stem placed at an incline to allow the iguana to climb and get its daily requirements of exercise. The tank should be kept in some sunlight during the day and under shade during the night. If you are unable to place the tank in a stream of sunlight, place it under an artificial ultraviolet light instead. The ultra violet light helps in vitamin D production as well as calcium absorption. Since the animal is an herbivore, it diet will consist mainly of green leafy vegetables like spinach, escarole and kale while it will also enjoy a stuffing of bananas and mangoes.