Argentine black and white tegu — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Argentine black and white tegu get?

An adult Argentine black and white tegu typically measures 1–1.4 m.

Husbandry requirements

Argentine black and white tegu — origin: South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, southern and eastern Brazil). Species listed in CITES Appendix II (formerly Tupinambis merianae): check import/keeping regulations and require traceability (CITES/CDC documents depending on the country). Strongly favour captive-bred individuals..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min20 °C

Cool side24–28 °C

Warm side30–35 °C

Basking spot43–50 °C

A heliophilic species requiring a genuine bright hot spot (basking lamp) above a solid resting area. A marked thermal gradient is essential. The natural nighttime drop is beneficial. In winter, provide a brumation period at lower temperatures and a reduced photoperiod for healthy adults.

Enclosure (adult)

240 × 120 × 90 cm

Large custom-built enclosure (cabinet/closed terrarium), terrestrial with a deep substrate.

Minimum dimensions for one adult; bigger is always better. A sturdy structure is essential (a powerful, burrowing animal). Provide a robust hide and a deep substrate that allows digging. A juvenile grows fast: aim straight for the adult enclosure.

Humidity

60–80 %

Moderate to high humidity. A deep substrate moistened in its lower layers (dry at the surface) and a large water tub help maintain it. Ensure good ventilation to avoid stagnation and respiratory infections.

Substrate

Topsoil / coco fibre (mix)Cypress mulchDust-free soil-sand mix

A deep layer of at least 30 to 45 cm to allow burrow digging and thermoregulation. It can be lightly moistened in its depth; keep the surface drier.

UVB

Recommended

Essential and powerful: a T5 HO UVB tube around 10-12% (Ferguson zone 3-4) covering the resting area, to be replaced every 6-12 months. Insufficient UVB quickly leads to metabolic bone disease in this heliophilic species.

Water source

Always available

A large tub of clean water allowing full-body immersion: the tegu bathes and often defecates in it. Frequent cleaning and renewal to limit bacteria.

Origin

Teiidae

South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, southern and eastern Brazil). Species listed in CITES Appendix II (formerly Tupinambis merianae): check import/keeping regulations and require traceability (CITES/CDC documents depending on the country). Strongly favour captive-bred individuals.

Feeding & health

Diet

Omnivore — Whole rodents, chicks/turkey, eggs, fish, insects; fruits and vegetables.

Insatiable appetite: rationing is imperative to prevent obesity, which is very common in captivity. Juveniles are more carnivorous/insectivorous; adults receive more varied whole prey and a share of plant matter. Supplement with calcium and vitamins. Avoid excess fatty processed meats.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 10–30 eggs/young. Egg-laying in spring after coming out of brumation; the female builds a sometimes bulky nest and may guard it. Incubation of about 50-60 days at around 28-30 °C depending on the parameters. Marked dimorphism: larger males with developed jowls.

Health watch points

Obesity and fatty liver overload (overfeeding, insatiable appetite)
Metabolic bone disease (insufficient UVB and/or calcium)
Respiratory infections (temperatures too low or poorly managed humidity)
Stomatitis (mouth rot) and abscesses
Internal/external parasitoses, especially in wild-caught specimens

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 3 documented genes and 1 named combos for Argentine black and white tegu.

Albino (T-) purple albinoRec
Anerythristic / Ice silverRec
HypomelanisticDom

Named combos — 1 documented combined morphs

Snow

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Argentine black and white tegu × Argentine black and white tegu

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the argentine black and white tegu.

How big does an adult Argentine black and white tegu get?▾

An adult Argentine black and white tegu typically measures 1–1.4 m (total length including the tail (the tail accounts for about half). males are markedly larger and more massive, with heavy jowls (jugal muscles); some large males exceed 140 cm. fast growth: plan for the adult size.).

What temperature and humidity does a Argentine black and white tegu need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–28 °C on the cool side to 30–35 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 43–50 °C. Humidity 60–80 %.

What does a Argentine black and white tegu eat?▾

Omnivore: Whole rodents, chicks/turkey, eggs, fish, insects; fruits and vegetables..

Is the Argentine black and white tegu a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. Nicknamed the "dog of the reptile world": very interactive, curious, intelligent, seeks human contact and becomes docile to handling once accustomed. Very powerful bite (robust teeth and jaws): respect and caution required. Males can become aggressive during the breeding season (the so-called "gubby" phase). Non-venomous. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 15–20 yrs.

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