🦎 General Info

Crocodile Tegus (Crocodilurus amazonicus), also known as Amazons, Crocodile Lizards, or Brazilian Crocodile Tegus, are semi-aquatic, slender-bodied lizards native to the Amazon Basin. Unlike Argentine tegus, they have a streamlined, crocodile-like build, a long laterally compressed tail for swimming, and a more aquatic lifestyle.

They are fast, alert, and more sensitive than typical tegus, making them an intermediate-to-advanced reptile. Adults typically reach 3–4 feet, but their bodies remain much slimmer compared to Argentine species.

Crocodile tegus require spacious enclosures, swimming areas, warm basking temps, high humidity, and a mostly insect- and fish-based diet. With proper husbandry, they can live 10–15+ years.

Enclosure

  • Size

    • 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

    • A larger footprint and significant water volume are highly beneficial.

  • Material

    • PVC enclosures (best for high humidity)

    • Custom wooden or HDPE builds

    • Strong, secure doors—crocodile tegus are quick and reactive

  • Semi-Aquatic Setup

    • Crocodile tegus require a land + water environment.

    • Recommended setup ratio: 40–60% land area, 40–60% water area

    • Minimum water depth: 8–12 inches for adults (they are strong swimmers)

    • Filters (canister/filter systems) recommended for keeping water clean.

  • Substrate (Land Area)

    • Moisture-retaining substrate is essential.

    • Best options:

    • Cypress mulch

    • Coconut husk

    • Organic soil/sand mix

    • Bioactive substrates

    • Aim for 4–8 inches of depth.

  • Décor

    • Large cork tubes or logs

    • Branches near and over the water

    • Flat basking rocks

    • Dense hides

    • Aquatic plants (plastic or live)

    • Secure platforms for climbing and basking

Temperature & Lighting

  • Basking Spot: 105–115°F

  • Ambient Temperature: 82–88°F

  • Cool Side: 75–80°F

  • Night Temp: 70–75°F Do not allow temperatures below 70°F.

  • Lighting

    • UVB lighting is essential for proper bone health

    • use a T5 HO 10–12% UVB

    • Replace bulbs every 6–12 months

  • Day/Night Cycle

    • 12–14 hours of light

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 70–90%, they are from the rainforest and require very high humidity

  • Maintaining Humidity:

    • Mist 1–2 times daily

    • Deep, moist substrate

    • Partially enclosed enclosure helps

    • Large water volume contributes to ambient humidity

  • Water Requirements

    • Crocodile tegus are semi-aquatic.

    • Large water section for full swimming

    • Water must be kept clean

    • Use a canister filter, sponge filter, or drain-refill style setup

    • Change water frequently if no filtration system

Diet

  • Type: Carnivorous with a diet heavily based on insects, crustaceans, and fish.

  • Juveniles:

    • Primarily insects & small feeder fish

  • Adults:

    • Balanced mix of: Insects (40–50%) Fish (30–40%) Crustaceans (10–20%)

    • Occasional eggs or lean meats

  • Insects:

    • Dubia roaches

    • Crickets

    • Earthworms

    • Silkworms

    • Superworms (sparingly)

  • Fish (low thiaminase species):

    • Tilapia

    • Silversides

    • Trout

    • Catfish

  • Crustaceans:

    • Shrimp

    • Crayfish

    • Freshwater prawns

  • Other Protein Options (occasional):

    • Quail eggs

    • Very small rodents only rarely (not a staple)

  • Supplements

    • Calcium: 3–4x weekly

    • Multivitamin: 1–2x weekly

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Crocodile tegus are known for being a little flighty and very fast, they don’t usually make for good display animals as they are less handleable compared to other tegus. They are highly attentive and usually pretty active in their environments.

  • Handling Tips

    • Start slow with tong-feeding

    • Allow them to acclimate with minimal pressure

    • Support the entire body if picking up

    • Best kept as display animals rather than cuddle-tame reptiles

  • Enrichment

    • Large water area

    • Branches and elevated platforms

    • Live or fake plants

    • Rearranging of logs & hides

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 10–15 years

  • Common Health Issues

    • MBD - from lack of UVB/calcium

    • Skin infections - bacterial from dirty water

    • Respiratory infections - humidity changes or low temps

    • Stuck shed- especially on their tail and toes

    • Internal parasites

  • Signs of Illness

    • Lethargy

    • Refusal to swim

    • Wheezing

    • Cloudy or stuck shed

    • Loss of appetite

    • Foul odor or murky skin patches

  • Veterinary Care: Professional veterinary care should always be consulted when you think your pet may have an issue. Watch for signs of illness, catching an issue early on goes a long way.

Final Thoughts:

Crocodile tegus are fascinating, unique, semi-aquatic reptiles best suited for keepers ready to meet their advanced environmental needs. With clean water, high humidity, proper heating, UVB, and an appropriate fish-and-insect diet, they make stunning display animals and thrive in captivity.