{"product_id":"golden-tegu","title":"Golden Tegu","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"160\" data-end=\"175\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"160\" data-end=\"175\"\u003eGolden Tegu\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"177\" data-end=\"263\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"177\" data-end=\"197\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"198\" data-end=\"219\"\u003eTupinambis teguixin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"219\" data-end=\"222\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"222\" data-end=\"238\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden Tegu, Common Tegu\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"268\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"270\" data-end=\"290\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"292\" data-end=\"423\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"292\" data-end=\"301\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults typically reach \u003cstrong data-start=\"325\" data-end=\"352\"\u003e24–36 inches (60–90 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e in total length, with males being larger and more robust than females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"425\" data-end=\"880\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"425\" data-end=\"440\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden Tegus are beautifully patterned lizards with a base colour of dark brown or black overlaid with golden to yellow spotting, banding, or reticulated patterns along the body. Their limbs are muscular, and the head is broad and powerful, well adapted for a varied diet. Scales are smooth and glossy, giving the animal a polished appearance. Juveniles display brighter gold tones and more defined patterns that may soften as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"1011\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"899\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to northern and central South America, including Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, the Guianas, and Trinidad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1239\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1025\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, savannas, grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural landscapes. They are adaptable and frequently encountered near water sources, burrows, and dense vegetation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1241\" data-end=\"1586\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1241\" data-end=\"1255\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden Tegus are diurnal, highly active, and strong diggers. They forage widely, using their strong limbs and keen sense of smell to locate food. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of insects, fruits, eggs, small vertebrates, and carrion. They are powerful and fast-moving, capable of impressive bursts of speed when threatened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1591\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1593\" data-end=\"1609\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1994\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1625\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a large terrestrial enclosure at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"1673\" data-end=\"1729\"\u003e48 inches × 24 inches × 24 inches (120 × 60 × 60 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e for a juvenile or small adult, though \u003cstrong data-start=\"1768\" data-end=\"1802\"\u003elarger is strongly recommended\u003c\/strong\u003e for long-term housing. Include deep substrate for digging such as a soil–sand mix that is dry on top but retains moisture deeper down. Add logs, cork rounds, heavy branches, and secure hides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2274\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2025\"\u003eTemperature and Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2025\" data-end=\"2028\"\u003eBasking area: 110–120°F (43–49°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2061\" data-end=\"2064\"\u003eAmbient temperature: 80–90°F (27–32°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2102\" data-end=\"2105\"\u003eNight temperatures: 70–75°F (21–24°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2142\" data-end=\"2145\"\u003eHumidity should remain \u003cstrong data-start=\"2168\" data-end=\"2178\"\u003e60–80%\u003c\/strong\u003e, maintained through misting and moisture-retentive substrate while ensuring strong ventilation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2276\" data-end=\"2424\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2276\" data-end=\"2289\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide strong full-spectrum lighting with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2354\"\u003ehigh UVB (10–12%)\u003c\/strong\u003e. A bright basking zone is essential for digestion and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2766\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2435\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a varied omnivorous diet including insects (roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae), eggs, lean meats, fish, fruits (mango, berries, papaya), and vegetables. Avoid excessive fatty meats. Juveniles need daily feeding; adults can be fed 3–4 times per week. Supplement food with calcium regularly and multivitamins weekly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"3126\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"2795\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden Tegus are intelligent, strong, and alert. They learn routines quickly and may become food-motivated. With proper socialization, some individuals tolerate gentle handling, though they should always be treated with respect due to their powerful jaws. They require deep substrate for burrowing and large enclosures to explore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3437\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3155\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3155\" data-end=\"3158\"\u003e• Tegus are escape artists — secure enclosures are essential.\u003cbr data-start=\"3219\" data-end=\"3222\"\u003e• Provide deep substrate for burrowing behaviour.\u003cbr data-start=\"3271\" data-end=\"3274\"\u003e• They become very strong; keepers must handle them confidently and safely.\u003cbr data-start=\"3349\" data-end=\"3352\"\u003e• Larger adult tegus require significantly bigger enclosures than the minimum listed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3439\" data-end=\"3442\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3444\" data-end=\"3461\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3463\" data-end=\"3703\"\u003eThe Golden Tegu belongs to the family Teiidae, a group of fast, intelligent New World lizards. \u003cem data-start=\"3558\" data-end=\"3579\"\u003eTupinambis teguixin\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the most widespread tegu species in South America and is known for its adaptability and striking gold patterning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3705\" data-end=\"3708\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3710\" data-end=\"3727\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3729\" data-end=\"3998\"\u003eThere are no recognized morphs for the Golden Tegu. Natural variation includes differences in gold or yellow brightness, band thickness, and overall pattern intensity. These variations occur naturally among wild populations and do not represent selectively bred morphs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56196216947010,"sku":"vlf1789650512019","price":78.1,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/8380\/8066\/files\/golden-tegu_1.jpg?v=1789650516","url":"https:\/\/abrasionresistclad.shop\/products\/golden-tegu","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}