Dabb Lizard / African Spiny Tailed Agamid

Family:  Agamidae

Species:  Uromastyx acanthinurus 

Natural Distribution:  Northeastern Africa and Middle East

Length:  18in (45cm)

Description

Dabb Lizards are very heavy bodied with a short tail with rows of spiny scales, If given to much protein these lizards can easily become obese.  It's habitat is arid, desert or rocky areas.  They obtain their moisture from their food and the correct  temperatures and lighting is imperative for these lizards other wise digestion problems and sluggishness will occur.  For these reasons the Dabb Lizard is very difficult to keep in captivity and require a lot of attention.  Males are larger than the females and have more prominent femoral pores.  Males can be kept together however aggression will occur during the mating season which occurs after winter cooling.

Vivarium Setup

Size:  Min 72x24x24in (184x60x60cm) for a pair or trio

Design:  Terrestrial                         Type:  Desert   

Substrate:  Dust Free, min 5in (12.5cm) deep   

Temperature: 25°C (77°F) at cool end, 45-50°C (113-122°F) at hot spot; 20°C (68°F) at night 

Photoperiod: 14 hours

Light:  High-percentage full-spectrum (UVB) light and basking lamp 

Winter Cooling: 20°C (68°F) during day; 15°C (60°F) at night for 8 weeks Photoperiod: 8 hours 

Feeding 

Herbivorous - most vegetables fruits, pulses, edible flowers very occasionally insects can be offered.  feed should be dusted with vitamin supplements.