🦎 General Info

Blue Tegus (Salvator merianae “Blue” morph) are a selectively bred color variation of the Argentine Black and White Tegu. They originate from the same regions—Argentina, Paraguay, and surrounding South American areas—but are distinguished by their cooler-toned coloration, featuring gray, silver, blue, and slate patterns. Mature males often display the strongest blue tones.

Blue tegus are intelligent, highly food-motivated, and can become extremely tame with consistent care. Adults typically reach 3–4 feet, making them slightly smaller on average than standard black and white tegus.

They are strong, powerful diggers that require large enclosures, moderate humidity, and an omnivorous diet. With proper care, blue tegus can live 15–20+ years in captivity.

1. Enclosure

Size

Blue tegus need ample space due to their activity level:

  • Juveniles: 40–75 gallon

  • Subadults: 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft

  • Adults (minimum): 6 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft

  • Ideal adult enclosure: 8 ft x 4 ft x 4 ft or larger

More room always improves temperament, enrichment, and long-term health.

Material

  • PVC enclosures (best for humidity retention)

  • HDPE/custom wooden builds

  • Must have secure, strong doors—tegus push hard and test boundaries

Substrate

Blue tegus are serious burrowers.

Best options include:

  • Cypress mulch

  • Coconut husk

  • Reptichip

  • Organic soil/sand mix

  • Bioactive substrates (excellent for adults)

Depth: 6–12 inches for natural digging.

Décor

  • Hides on both cool and warm sides

  • Thick logs or solid branches

  • Flat basking stones

  • Burrows/tunnels

  • Live or artificial plants

  • Plenty of open floor space for roaming

2. Temperature & Lighting

Basking Spot:

115–125°F

Ambient Temperature:

80–90°F

Cool Side:

75–80°F

Night Temperature:

70–75°F
Never allow temps below 70°F.

Lighting

High-quality UVB is essential.

Recommended:

  • T5 HO 10–12% UVB

  • Replace bulbs every 6–12 months

Day/Night Cycle: 12–14 hours
Blue tegus also benefit from bright full-spectrum lighting.

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity:

60–80%

Maintaining humidity ensures proper shedding and hydration.

Helpful strategies:

  • Deep, moist substrate

  • Daily misting

  • Large water tub

  • Partial enclosure coverage

Water

Provide:

  • A large dish big enough for soaking

  • Fresh, clean water daily
    Tegus frequently soak and often defecate in water—clean frequently.

4. Diet

Blue tegus are omnivores, with diets shifting as they mature.

Juveniles:

Insect-heavy with small amounts of fruit

Adults:

A balanced mix of:

  • Protein: 50–60%

  • Fruits: 10–20%

  • Vegetables: 10–20%

Protein Options

  • Dubia roaches

  • Crickets

  • Earthworms

  • Superworms/mealworms (moderate)

  • Eggs

  • Lean meats

  • Fish (avoid high-thiaminase species)

  • Small rodents (sparingly to prevent obesity)

Fruits

  • Berries

  • Mango

  • Banana

  • Papaya

  • Figs

  • Melon

Vegetables

  • Squash

  • Collard/mustard/turnip greens

  • Carrots

  • Green beans

Supplements

  • Calcium: 3–4x per week

  • Multivitamin: 1–2x per week

Avoid processed foods and excessive fatty meats.

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

Blue tegus are typically:

  • Calm

  • Intelligent

  • Highly food-driven

  • Curious

  • Capable of becoming extremely tame with routine interaction

Males may become more territorial during breeding season.

Handling

  • Begin with slow, predictable interactions

  • Target training works well

  • Support their weight fully—they are very muscular

  • Allow free-roam time in safe areas

Well-socialized blue tegus often seek attention and enjoy exploring with their keeper present.

Enrichment

  • Deep dig boxes

  • Outdoor sunning time (secure enclosure)

  • Scent-based enrichment

  • Puzzle feeders

  • Rotating décor and hides

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan:

15–20+ years

Common Health Issues

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) from improper UVB/calcium

  • Obesity from overfeeding rodents

  • Respiratory infections (low temps or overly wet environment)

  • Shedding problems (low humidity)

  • Parasites (external and internal)

Signs of Illness

  • Low energy

  • Refusal to eat

  • Clicking or wheezing

  • Stuck shed (especially toes and tail)

  • Swelling or abnormal gait

  • Weight loss or abnormal weight gain

Vet Care

Seek a reptile-experienced veterinarian—large lizards require qualified care.

Final Notes

Blue tegus are highly intelligent, personable reptiles capable of forming strong bonds with their keepers. With proper heat, humidity, UVB, diet, and space, they become calm, trainable, and rewarding long-term companions. Their striking blue coloration, hardy nature, and interactive personality make them one of the most popular tegu morphs in captivity.