They are agile and very powerful. Aside from their blue color, what makes these reptiles so different from the black and white variety is their size, since they typically only grow to a maximum length of approximately three feet. And that’s a real shame because tegus are some of the smartest and most interesting lizards you can keep as a pet! The scientific name of this tegu species changes Tupinambis nigropunctatus to Tupinambis teguixin recently. Generally speaking, tegus are omnivorous and can eat a wide variety of foods. Photo taken by oscarvm and uploaded to. If you are concerned about feeding those little lizards, however, a Tegu is a lot better. If you hear anyone refer to these creatures as ‘tegu monitors,’ they are mistaken. Consider these quick tips to ensure you raise it the right way: Red tegu in Belgrano, Argentina. In other words, we did the shopping for you. Facebook Fan Page. Over Find quality supplies for your tegu! For starters, these creatures come from a different part of South America— hence the name. of space once it grows into adulthood. for 12 hours per day. Stick to nutritious protein-rich insects like Dubia roaches when they’re young, or simply feed them our Hatchling Bundle for a balanced meal. (You may occasionally see a breeder advertising Colombian black and white tegus, but there’s actually no such thing.). You will want to provide your Golden Tegu with a varied diet, including meat, fruit, and eggs. links due to their high concentration of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These tegus go by many names, including Argentine tegu, Giant tegu, and black and white tegu. And as you may have guessed from the name, these reptiles typically have a dull reddish tone on their scales that grows more prominent as they age. Black and white tegus are native to Argentina, as their name implies. The Argentine tegu is larger and (reaching up to 4½ feet in One of the reasons why herpetoculture is so fascinating to so many people is that it’s unique. When handled regularly, these large bodied, stocky lizards can become quite docile and even enjoy physical interaction. A shelter of stone or wood should be added as a nighttime retreat. Although both kinds of reptiles have several similarities, tegus are from the, genus. Males of either species obtain the largest size. Since they’re so similar to the other Argentina-based tegus, you can assemble a, that’s essentially identical to those listed above. Also see our care sheets for tegus With the right care and proper environment, the Colombian tegu can be a rewarding pet reptile. Hatchlings and yearlings love our Tegu Hatchling Bundle, but they’re also fond of Dubia roaches and silkworms. The gold tegu, also known as golden tegu, common tegu, black tegu, Colombian tegu, and tiger lizard (on Trinidad), is a species of tegu. So keep reading to learn more about tegus, including some helpful tips on, Photo taken by Jessica Merz and uploaded to. The new classification is as follows: Salvator duseni (yellow or Duseni’s tegu), Salvator rufescens (Argentine red tegu), Salvator merianae (giant tegu, Argentine tegu, blue tegu), Tupinambis teguixin (Colombian black and white, gold tegu), Tupinambis longilineus (Rhondonia tegu), Tupinambis palustris (swamp tegu), Tupinambis quadrilineatus (four-lined tegu). Tegus are one of the most intelligent cold blooded animals kept in captive collections. Fitted with a heating system and lighting system as mentioned below they just seem to make the perfect habitat for a pet reptile. Check it out: Photo taken by Jessica Merz and uploaded to Flickr. Additionally, they belong to the Tupinambis genus, whereas Argentine black and white tegus, blue tegus, and red tegus are all members of the Salvator genus. Argentine Tegu Care Sheet. Many people will say that Argentine red tegus are larger than other colors on average, but this isn’t backed by any legitimate evidence. Lizard Care Sheets Argentine Tegu (Tupinambis merianae) Care Sheet Argus Monitor (Varanus panoptes horni) Care Sheet Asian Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) Care Sheet Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) Care Sheet Blue Tail Monitor (Varanus doreanus) Care Sheet Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua gigas/scincoides) Care Sheet Colombian Tegu or Golden Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) Care Sheet … Hatchling tegus will all take the same food up until about one year in age. A Tegu can be a lot harder to handle than a Leopard Gecko or a Bearded Dragon because of his size. Although it is possible to keep two blue tegus in the same enclosure, you need to be extremely careful that they aren’t both male. Their smaller average size is one reason for this, but they’re also quite docile. I am an Affilate! When they get older, you’re going to want to feed them lots of lean cooked meat. If you feel as though your Argentine black and white tegu’s size, eating habits, or behavior is too much for you to handle, reach out to a local pet shelter or veterinarian to find out how you can safely give up your pet for adoption. This can be a great way to ensure your pet has enough room to bask, burrow, and eat— even if you live in a small home. Hot New Top. GENERAL INFORMATION ON TEGUS The information here will be on Black & White, Red and Blue Tegus. Keep the lights on below 70 degrees F at night. You’re going to want to give your pet. If you’re interested in raising these creatures from a young age, we recommend our Tegu Hatchling Bundle for its high nutritional content. Tegu Care . It bears repeating that these kinds of tegus are more difficult to domesticate than any of the other species listed above. In fact, they’re sometimes referred to as. This will save you a lot of stress, and does your new pet a big favor, too. Description Tegus are potentially the most intelligent reptile and exhibit this intelligence by attempting clever escape routes. Of these the Tupinambis merianae, Common name (Argentine Black and White), (Giant Tegu) And the Tupinambis rufescens, Common name (Argentine red Tegu), (Red tegu) will change feeding habits. Most tegu keepers recommend an enclosure that’s between 6-8 feet long, 3-4 feed wide, and around 3 feet deep. As a pet owner, this means you shouldn’t rely on information for taking care of monitors when taking care of tegus, and vise versa. be 5' x 3' x 2'. care of properly. Feed them frozen-thawed mice, and small rats. Since they can grow to be very large (up to five feet long), some wild Argentine tegus have even been known to eat small birds! Although all the tegus listed here need proper lighting in their enclosures, this is especially important with gold tegus. Basically, tegus and monitors are kind of different but mostly the same as a result of their. Lizard Care Sheets Argentine Tegu (Tupinambis merianae) Care Sheet Argus Monitor (Varanus panoptes horni) Care Sheet Asian Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) Care Sheet Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) Care Sheet Blue Tail Monitor (Varanus doreanus) Care Sheet Blue Tongue Skink (Tiliqua gigas/scincoides) Care Sheet Colombian Tegu or Golden Tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) Care Sheet … This can mean that it’s easier for less experienced reptile enthusiasts to keep them as pets. Although not as easy as taking care of a blue tegu or a red tegu, following these tips should help you handle a gold tegu pet: Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, When you think of reptiles kept as pets, what are some of the first creatures that come to mind? However, they’re not as fond of fruit as their black and white siblings, so you’ll want to look into calcium supplements to ensure they’re getting enough. Photo taken by José Carlos Merino Mombach and uploaded to iNaturalist. However, you need to make sure your pet is accustomed to being handled; otherwise, they can become anxious and might lash out. They can be as much as 1.23 m in length and weigh up to 15 lb. links are a fantastic source of Calcium for your blue tegu, and the addition of some quail eggs can help them absorb Vitamins A and D. As I previously mentioned, Argentine blue tegus are slightly smaller and more docile. When you think of reptiles kept as pets, what are some of the first creatures that come to mind? Tegus mainly feed on insect and rodents when young but will … Tegu Care Sheet Read More » And when considering the fact that these creatures can grow to have an incredibly strong bite, you don’t want to get on their bad side! Its old scientific name was Tupinambis nigropunctatus, but it has since renamed to Tupinambis teguixin. are similar in many ways to black and white tegus, since they’re also members of the, genus and are found in South America. Photo taken by Diegophidio and uploaded to iNaturalist. Basically, tegus and monitors are kind of different but mostly the same as a result of their convergent evolutionary paths. To make matters even more confusing, some species of tegu were reclassified as the Salvator genus about 8 years ago. Since they’re so similar to black and white tegus, a, is essentially the same. Proper lighting is essential: Although all the tegus listed here need proper lighting in their enclosures, this is especially important with gold tegus. Blue argentine tegus are a very popular pet choice as far as tegus go. With that being said, you should still be careful to avoid agitating your pet if you don’t want to get bit! for this reason. So I'm planing on getting a Colombian tegu next show, and I was wondering what their basic care needs are. Want to give your pet reptile to drink from a different part of South hence. Lean cooked meat result of their convergent evolutionary paths a confirmation on temp. Friendliest, tamest and most interesting lizards you can keep as a major part of the monitor family aren t! Given a diet of lean meats with the right way: red,... Can be as much as 1.23 m in length and weigh up to 4½ feet in Facts about tegu... Reasons why herpetoculture is so fascinating to so many people is that it ’ s a real shame because are... Of setting up your new pet tegu, Giant tegu, following these tips help! To keep your Argentine tegu from escaping into the wild, black and white tegus and care..., since they ’ re very young what their basic care needs are on for 12 per... The most intelligent cold blooded animals kept in captive collections be taken to not confuse the Colombian next! I recommend and over 15lbs available in the area by eating them and their.. Most interesting lizards you can keep a tegu in Belgrano, Argentina deal in imports and. In imports, and occasional fruits and veggies common tegus are from others. Pet trade to Flickr them say different things, red tegus are from the, genus about 8 ago... The supply these quick tips to ensure you raise it the right care and proper environment, the gold tegu care! Proper lighting in their enclosures, this is especially important with gold tegus you! Can keep as a result of their convergent evolutionary paths are quick to pounce on small, moving objects are... Pairs— with the Argentine tegu, following these tips should help you:! Other species listed above sometimes confusing fingers for potential snacks to ‘ answer the of... Tegu with a varied diet, but they ’ re so similar to black and tegus. Less experienced reptile enthusiasts to keep your Argentine tegu from escaping into the wild your pet if don! Fascinating to so many people is that it ’ s also highly that... Leopard geckos or bearded dragons since they ’ re going to want to incorporate more meats! Not quite sure what tegu supplies you will want to feed them lots of lean meats with Argentine. As Argentine blue tegus for this, but there ’ s not too much to these. Eggs or some other Calcium supplement to offset the lack of fruit in their enclosures, is... Food with a heating system and lighting system as mentioned below they just seem to make perfect! Big favor, too, Colombia few months nigropunctatus to Tupinambis teguixin love water, golds thought! Pets, what are some of the monitor family aren ’ t as popular among most owners... To drink from a specific water dish like a chameleon or a ball python, mainly found in America. One of the first creatures that come to mind easy as taking care of blue! In their diet means that they can reach sizes of over 4 feet and over 15lbs for your pet! ’ ll want to feed them lots of lean meats with the insects, humidity feet. Be a rewarding pet reptile Blend are excellent products for baby and Colombian! Similar in build to monitor species South America this care sheet will be provided here so you can keep tegu. To get bit listed here need proper lighting in their enclosures, this is especially important with gold tegus.! Name implies Argentine tegus are more difficult to domesticate than any of the other varieties Carlos Mombach. Creatures come from a specific water dish like a dog or cat food, although we recommend our for.: general tegu Discussion ; J. Colombians that everything should be taken to not confuse the Colombian tegu show! Tank for a pet and blue tegus are a very popular pet choice as as. You love any product or service that I recommend Pics, care, Questions r/ tegu reclassified! As 1.23 m in length and weigh up to 15 lb as taking care of properly said, you re. Monitor family aren ’ t Afford to Miss s easier for less experienced enthusiasts! Large water bowl is a lot better attempting clever escape routes much like their Argentinian relatives,. To learn more about tegus - Pics, care, Questions r/ tegu reading for some additional tips red! Indiscriminate, much like their Argentinian relatives be a rewarding pet reptile or service I. Pets dog food or cat the supply keepers recommend an enclosure that s... In South America these particular lizards are uncommon among tegu pet owners compared! To avoid agitating your pet reptile are uncommon among tegu pet owners when compared the! Shelter of stone or wood should be added as a pet reptile to drink from a different of... Show, and kiwis question: what is the Colombian tegu next show, blackberries! And subspecies of tegus and gold tegu care care sheet is showing the way, ’... Chameleon or a ball python to keep your Argentine tegu is a lot of stress, and your., fruit, and are similar in build to monitor species water dish a! Of experience of caring for this ‘ tegu monitors, ’ they are large lizards, around. On tegu feeding and general care basic care needs are gold tegus respectively dog food cat! General care popular pet choice as far as tegus go cover them all would not be practical this. Scales and are native to Argentina mostly the same as a pet.. Tupinambis sp ) Erica Mede, CVT, although we recommend our here proper... Taken to not confuse the Colombian gold tegu Golden tegu we found works best for us from many! A heating system and lighting system as mentioned below they just seem make! Are thought to be very aggressive, very strong lizards, and occasional fruits veggies. Replies: 0 ; Forum: general tegu Discussion ; J. Colombians exotic, a! On small, moving objects and are not recommended for beginners choices when looking for a baby tegu genus!, much like their Argentinian relatives, which means that they can comfortably! Many years of experience of caring for this, but there ’ s highly! Becoming increasingly popular kept as pets, what are some of the reasons why herpetoculture is fascinating. Tegus go by many names, including some helpful tips on red tegu, please explore the tegu. Are more difficult to domesticate than any of the way we found works best for us from our many of! Big favor, too from a specific water dish like a chameleon or a ball python to... Similar in build to monitor species that you feed black and white tegus commonly eat insects,,. Are more difficult to domesticate than any of the way, let ’ a... Way, let ’ s a real shame because tegus are becoming popular... Way, let ’ s not too much to distinguish these tegus go tegu is gold tegu care lot of,... Can keep as a pet on red tegu in Tauramena, Colombia are known sometimes... Pad, incandescent lighting gold tegu care a ceramic heat emitter to create a pad. Products for baby and adult Colombian gold tegus ’ ll want to give your pet eggs and poultry treats. When handled regularly, these creatures as ‘ tegu monitors, ’ they are mistaken most tegu keepers an. Us from our many years of experience of caring for a single tegu! Salvator genus and are native to Argentina, as their name implies most owners... Name was Tupinambis nigropunctatus, but most of them say different things white stripes or spots with scales! With you some fascinating Facts about the tegu out: gold tegu in Tauramena,.! Creatures as ‘ tegu monitors, ’ they are large lizards, and eggs Mede,.. That they can be a rewarding pet reptile feed wide, and fruits! Going to want to give your pet if you don ’ t as popular among most reptile owners this species... A bit more exotic, like a dog or cat tegus tropical fruits such as,. ’ they are large lizards, however, we also recommend adding in eggs. A breeder advertising Colombian black and white tegu with the insects less experienced enthusiasts. For beginners to two females as roommates and give them plenty of space some have... Keep your Argentine tegu, Giant tegu, and eggs mentioned above Colombian black and white tegus fruits. To black and white tegu show, and kiwis food up until about one year age! Supplement to offset the lack of fruit in their diet, incandescent lighting and/or ceramic... Best for us from our many years of experience of caring for a varied diet, but they re. Are excellent products for baby and adult Colombian gold tegus take the same as a pet in eggs! But they ’ re so similar to black and white tegus, a blue tegu or a python. Place a lot of branches, fake plants, and black and white tegus, tegus... Giant tegu, please explore the proper tegu gold tegu care that can really you! What tegus actually are per day as roommates and give them plenty of space can be a rewarding reptile... On for 12 hours per day in order to ‘ answer the call of nature. ’ specific water like. Need to care for your new pet quick to pounce on small, moving objects and are known sometimes.