🦎 General Info

Gold Tegus (Salvator merianae) are robust, intelligent lizards native to Brazil, Argentina, and surrounding regions of South America. They are closely related to the Argentine black and white tegu but are distinguished by their golden, yellow-bronze, or olive tones, often with banded or speckled patterns. Their coloration varies widely, with some individuals appearing nearly black and gold.

Gold tegus are highly inquisitive, strong, and can become very tame with consistent, patient handling. Adults typically reach 3–4 feet, with males generally being larger and more muscular. They are active foragers, powerful diggers, and require large enclosures, high heat, and a balanced omnivorous diet.

With optimal husbandry, Gold Tegus can live 15–20+ years in captivity.

1. Enclosure

Size

Gold tegus are large, powerful lizards and need plenty of space.

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 space is always beneficial for enrichment, digging, and exercise.

Material

  • PVC enclosures (best for heat retention & humidity control)

  • Custom wood or HDPE enclosures also work

  • Must have strong latches—tegus are very intelligent and strong

Substrate

Gold tegus love to burrow. Use a deep, moisture-retaining substrate.

Best options:

  • Cypress mulch

  • Reptichip

  • Coconut husk

  • Organic topsoil + sand mix

  • Bioactive substrates work excellently for adults

Aim for 6–12 inches of depth.

Décor

  • Large hides on both warm and cool ends

  • Logs and branches

  • Flat basking stones

  • Plants (live or artificial)

  • Burrows or tunnels

  • Lots 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 Temp:

70–75°F
Never allow temps to drop below 70°F.

Lighting

High-quality UVB is essential for bone and muscle health.

Recommended UVB:

  • T5 HO 10–12% UVB

  • Replace bulbs every 6–12 months

Day/Night Cycle

  • 12–14 hours of light

  • Full-spectrum lighting strongly recommended for natural behavior

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity:

60–80%

Gold tegus require moderate-to-high humidity for shedding and hydration.

Humidity Tips:

  • Deep, moist substrate

  • Daily misting

  • Large water dish

  • Humid hide for juveniles

Water

  • Provide a large bowl for soaking

  • Change daily (gold tegus often defecate in water)

4. Diet

Gold tegus are omnivores whose diets shift as they mature.

Juveniles:

Insect-heavy diet with small amounts of fruits

Adults:

Balanced mix of:

  • Protein (50–60%)

  • Fruits (10–20%)

  • Vegetables (10–20%)

Protein Options

  • Dubia roaches

  • Crickets

  • Earthworms

  • Superworms/mealworms

  • Eggs

  • Lean meats (turkey/chicken)

  • Fish (avoid high-thiaminase species)

  • Rodents occasionally — do not overfeed

Fruits

  • Berries

  • Mango

  • Papaya

  • Banana

  • Melon

  • Figs

Vegetables (optional but beneficial)

  • Squash

  • Green beans

  • Carrots

  • Collard/mustard/turnip greens

Supplements

  • Calcium: 3–4x weekly

  • Multivitamin: 1–2x weekly

Avoid processed foods, sugary fruits, and fatty meats.

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

Gold tegus are:

  • Smart

  • Food motivated

  • Curious

  • Often calm when socialized properly

They can form strong bonds with keepers and can become very tame over time.

Handling Tips

  • Begin slowly with hand-feeding/target training

  • Let them explore outside the enclosure

  • Support their entire body

  • Consistent handling leads to the best results

Enrichment

  • Digging areas

  • Scent trails

  • Rotating logs and décor

  • Outdoor time (in a secure pen)

  • Puzzle feeders

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan:

15–20+ years

Common Health Issues

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) — lack of UVB/calcium

  • Obesity — tegus love to eat

  • Respiratory infections — low temps or too-wet substrate

  • Stuck shed — low humidity

  • Parasites — internal and external

Signs of Illness

  • Lethargy

  • Poor appetite

  • Wheezing/clicking

  • Stuck shed (tail/toes)

  • Swollen limbs or difficulty walking

  • Sudden weight changes

Vet Care

Seek a reptile-experienced veterinarian familiar with large lizards.

Final Notes

Gold tegus are hardy, intelligent, and rewarding reptiles that thrive when kept with proper heat, humidity, space, and enrichment. Their combination of strength, personality, and intelligence makes them incredible companions—but they require commitment, consistency, and room to grow.