🦎 General Info

Red Tegus (Salvator rufescens) are large, intelligent, and highly interactive lizards native to Argentina, Paraguay, and surrounding regions in South America. They are closely related to the more common Argentine black and white tegu, but distinguished by their rich reddish or orange coloration, especially in mature males.

Red tegus are highly intelligent, capable of recognizing their keepers, and can become extremely tame with consistent care. Adults typically reach 3.5–4.5 feet, with males being larger, more muscular, and more brightly colored than females.

They are active, strong diggers, and require large enclosures, proper humidity, and an omnivorous diet. With optimal care, red tegus can live 15–20+ years in captivity.

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 or larger

    • More space is always beneficial, especially for enrichment and exercise.

  • Material:

    • PVC enclosures are ideal (hold heat/humidity, lightweight)

    • Custom wooden or HDPE builds also work well

    • Must have excellent ventilation and secure doors—tegus are strong and curious

  • Substrate:

    • Deep, moisture-holding substrates are essential due to their burrowing nature.

    • Cypress mulch

    • Coconut husk

    • Reptichip

    • Organic topsoil/sand mix

    • Bioactive setups work very well for adult tegus

    • Aim for 6–12 inches of depth to allow natural digging.

  • Décor:

    • Large hides on both cool and warm sides

    • Thick logs or branches

    • Flat stones under the basking area

    • Plants (live or artificial)

    • Burrows or tunnels

    • Plenty of floor space for roaming

Temperature & Lighting

  • Basking Spot: 115–125°F

  • Ambient Temperature: 80–90°F

  • Cool Side: 75–80°F

  • Night Temperature: 70–75°F (Do not let temps drop below 70°F.)

  • Lighting:

    • High-quality UVB is essential for proper bone health

    • Recommended: T5 HO 10–12% UVB

    • Replace bulbs every 6–12 months

  • Day/Night Cycle:

    • 12–14 hours of light

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 60–80%

    • Red tegus require moderate-to-high humidity to support shedding, digestion, and skin health.

  • Maintaining Humidity:

    • Deep, moist substrate

    • Misting daily or as needed

    • Large water dish that they can soak in

  • Water:

    • Provide a large bowl for drinking and soaking

    • Change water daily or when dirty (tegus often defecate in water)

Diet

  • Type: Omnivores

  • Juveniles:

    • Primarily insect-heavy diet with some fruits

  • Adults:

    • Balanced mix of: Protein (50–60%) Fruits (10–20%) Vegetables (10–20%)

  • Protein Options: mix it up.

    • Dubia roaches

    • Eggs

    • Fish (no high-thiaminase species)

    • Rats/mice

  • Fruits:

    • Berries

    • Papaya

    • Mango

    • Banana

    • Figs

    • Watermelon

  • Vegetables (Optional but beneficial):

    • Squash

    • Greens (collard, mustard, turnip)

    • Carrots

    • Green beans

  • Supplements:

    • Calcium powder: 3–4x per week

    • Reptile multivitamin: 1–2x per week

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Red tegus are typically calm and very intelligent, they can be a little defensive when they are smaller and younger but will generally tame down with careful handling and building trust with them, Most tegus are very food motivated which can be used to help tame and build a bond with your tegu.

  • Handling:

    • Start slow with target training or hand-feeding

    • Allow them to explore outside the enclosure

    • Regular interaction helps tame them

    • Always support their body—they are heavy, muscular animals

    • Well-socialized tegus often enjoy human interaction and may actively seek attention.

  • Enrichment:

    • Dig boxes

    • Scent trails

    • Rotating décor

    • Safe outdoor time in a secure pen

    • Puzzle feeders

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 15–20+ years with proper care

  • Common Health Issues:

    • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) - Caused by calcium deficiency or lack of UVB

    • Obesity Red tegus love to eat - portion control is essential

    • Respiratory infections - Usually from low temps or overly wet enclosures

    • Shedding issues - Linked to low humidity

    • Parasites - Watch for mites or internal parasites

  • Signs of Illness:

    • Wheezing or clicking sounds

    • Lethargy

    • Poor appetite

    • Swollen limbs or difficulty walking

    • Stuck shed (especially on tail and toes)

    • Weight gain or sudden weight loss

  • 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:

Red tegus are highly intelligent, trainable, and rewarding reptiles, but they require space, commitment, and proper husbandry. With correct heat, humidity, diet, and interaction, they become gentle giants and wonderful long-term companions.