🦎 General Info


The Cuban Knight Anole (Anolis equestris) is a large, striking, and intelligent lizard native to Cuba and introduced populations in parts of Florida. Known for their bright green coloration, large size, and pink throat fan (dewlap), these lizards are both impressive and commanding in appearance. Adults can reach 13–20 inches in total length, making them the largest species in the anole family.

Knight Anoles are diurnal (active during the day) and arboreal (tree-dwelling), spending most of their time climbing and basking in the upper parts of their habitat. While stunning to observe, they are best suited for intermediate to experienced keepers due to their territorial nature and specific environmental needs.


They are intelligent, alert, and can be tamed with consistent and careful handling, though many remain better suited as display animals. With proper care, Cuban Knight Anoles can live 8–15 years in captivity.


Enclosure


  • Size:

  • Adults: Minimum 2 ft x 2 ft x 4 ft (vertical) enclosure for one individual.

  • Pairs: Only house together temporarily for breeding — they can be territorial and aggressive.

  • Material: Tall PVC or glass terrariums are ideal, as they retain humidity and allow vertical climbing space, Ensure excellent ventilation to prevent stagnant air and mold.

  • Décor: Provide lots of vertical branches, vines, and plants (live or artificial) for climbing and hiding, Include multiple basking areas at varying heights. Offer dense foliage for cover and horizontal perches to rest, plants like pothos, ficus, bromeliads, and dracaena work well in naturalistic setups.

  • Tip: Knight Anoles are territorial and do best housed alone. Males will fight, and even pairs can become aggressive.


Temperature & Lighting


  • Basking Spot: 90–95°F


  • Ambient Temperature: 75–85°F


  • Cool Side / Lower Levels: 70–75°F


  • Night Temperature: Can drop safely to 68–72°F


  • Heating:

  • Use a basking bulb to create a warm spot near the top of the enclosure.

  • Always monitor with digital thermometers at multiple heights to ensure a proper gradient.

  • Regulate heating with a thermostat if needed.

  • Lighting: UVB lighting is essential. Use a T5 HO 10–12% UVB tube mounted near the top of the enclosure. Ensure the anole can bask within 12–14 inches of the UVB source for maximum benefit and replace bulbs every 6–12 months, per manufacturer instructions.

  • Light cycle: Provide 12–14 hours of light daily to replicate their tropical daylight cycle.

Humidity & Water


  • Humidity: 60–80%


  • Maintaining Humidity:

  • Mist the enclosure 2–3 times daily to simulate tropical rain and allow them to drink from droplets.

  • Use a humidifier or automatic misting system for consistency, especially in dry climates.

  • Include a moist substrate layer (such as coco fiber or bioactive soil) to hold humidity.

  • Water:

  • Knight Anoles rarely drink from bowls. Instead, they lick water from leaves and surfaces after misting, you can still offer a small water dish at the base of the enclosure as a backup hydration source.


Substrate


  • Recommended Options:

  • Coconut fiber (Eco Earth)

  • Organic topsoil mixed with orchid bark or cypress mulch

  • Bioactive setups with a drainage layer, live plants, and cleanup crew (isopods, springtails)

  • Depth: 3–5 inches to allow for moisture retention and plant root systems.


  • Maintenance:

  • Spot-clean daily to remove waste.

  • Fully refresh or deep clean substrate every 1–2 months if not bioactive.

Diet


  • Type: Omnivorous — Cuban Knight Anoles eat a mix of insects, occasional small vertebrates, and fruit.


  • Staple Foods: Insects: Crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, hornworms, and black soldier fly larvae.

  • Occasional Treats: Pinky mice (very rarely), small anoles (in wild), or snails.

  • Fruits & Nectar: Small portions of papaya, mango, banana, or melon once or twice a week.

  • Feeding Schedule:

  • Juveniles: Feed daily.

  • Adults: Feed every 2–3 days.

  • Supplements:

  • Calcium powder: 3–4 times per week.

  • Calcium with D3: Once weekly if UVB is provided; twice if not.

  • Multivitamin: Once weekly.

  • Tip: Gut-load all feeder insects with nutritious greens and grains 24 hours before feeding for optimal nutrition.


Behavior & Handling


  • Temperament: Cuban Knight Anoles are intelligent but territorial, often preferring to observe rather than be handled. They may puff up, gape, or display their blue tongue and dewlap when threatened.


  • Handling:

  • Start by interacting through the glass or gently offering food by hand.

  • Once acclimated, you can handle them carefully — always support the body and avoid grabbing from above.

  • Limit handling sessions to short durations, as excessive stress can cause defensive biting or tail drops.

  • Enrichment:

  • Provide branches at different angles for climbing.

  • Rearrange plants and décor occasionally to stimulate exploration.

  • Offer live feeders to encourage hunting behavior.

  • Note: With time and patience, some individuals become quite calm and even curious around their keepers, though most remain best as display animals.


Health & Lifespan


  • Lifespan: 8–15 years in captivity with excellent care.


  • Common Health Issues:

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by lack of UVB or calcium.

  • Respiratory Infections: From excess humidity or poor ventilation.

  • Parasites: Can be introduced via wild-caught specimens or dirty feeders.

  • Dehydration: Due to inadequate misting or low humidity.

  • Burns: From getting too close to unprotected heat sources.

  • Prevention:

  • Provide strong UVB lighting and proper calcium supplementation.

  • Maintain correct temperature and humidity gradients.

  • Use thermostats and protective bulb covers to prevent burns.

  • Keep the enclosure clean and disinfected regularly.

  • Signs of Illness:

  • Lethargy or staying near the bottom of the enclosure

  • Loss of appetite

  • Mucus around the nose or mouth

  • Difficulty shedding

  • Swollen limbs or deformities

Veterinary Care: Schedule annual checkups with a qualified reptile veterinarian and fecal exams to check for parasites, especially in newly acquired or wild-caught animals.


Final thoughts:

The Cuban Knight Anole is one of the most visually impressive lizards in the hobby, with a commanding presence and vivid coloration. Though they may not always enjoy frequent handling, they thrive in large, lush enclosures that mimic their tropical forest homes.

With proper care, a balanced diet, and respect for their space, these intelligent reptiles can live long, healthy, and fascinating lives. They make excellent display reptiles for experienced keepers who appreciate their striking appearance and natural behavior.