🦎 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.

1. Enclosure

Size

Because they are active, semi-aquatic, and excellent swimmers:

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

2. Temperature & Lighting

Basking Spot:

105–115°F

Crocodile tegus require slightly lower basking temps than Argentine tegus.

Ambient Temperature:

82–88°F

Cool Side:

75–80°F

Night Temp:

70–75°F
Do not allow temperatures below 70°F.

UVB Lighting

Essential for proper bone health.

Use:

  • T5 HO 10–12% UVB

  • Replace bulbs every 6–12 months

Day/Night Cycle

  • 12–14 hours of light

  • Full-spectrum lighting improves natural activity and appetite

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity:

70–90%

Crocodile tegus are rainforest natives and require very high humidity.

Humidity Maintainers

  • 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

4. Diet

Crocodile tegus are 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

Approved Foods

Insects:

  • Dubia roaches

  • Crickets

  • Earthworms

  • Silkworms

  • Superworms (sparingly)

Fish (low thiaminase):

  • Tilapia

  • Silversides

  • Trout

  • Catfish
    Avoid goldfish and minnows (high thiaminase).

Crustaceans:

  • Shrimp

  • Crayfish

  • Freshwater prawns

Other (occasional):

  • Quail eggs

  • Very small rodents only rarely (not a staple)

Supplements

  • Calcium: 3–4x weekly

  • Multivitamin: 1–2x weekly

Avoid fatty meats and overuse of rodents.

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

Crocodile tegus are known for being:

  • Fast

  • Flighty

  • Less handleable than Argentine tegus

  • Alert and highly active

They often tolerate observation but may not enjoy frequent handling.

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

  • Scented enrichment trails

  • Rotating logs & hides

6. 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 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 (possible infection)

Vet Care

Seek a reptile vet experienced with semi-aquatic lizards.

Final Notes

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.