Facility :
The soil is suitable for ground squirrels, coconut butter or bark (KOBER 1997). However, other moisture-binding materials such as seramis and expanded clay balls are also suitable. SPINNER (2010) mentions pine bark, which is filled about 12-17 cm high. A large water basin should not be missing. This is selected so large that the lizards can completely submerge. ABRAHAM (1982) even recommends that 1/3 of the floor surface should consist of a water part. If the tub is heated, additional humidity can be gained. MÜLLER (1983) uses, for example, a basin of 60 x 60 x 15 cm, which is filled with warm water at about 26 ° C. The tub should be clean, as the basilisks contaminate the water almost daily with droppings (SPINNER 2010). KOBER (2008) gives the tip, two identical tanks in each other, So that one can easily remove the upper one for cleaning. The 90-liter mortar tubs proved to be effective. To ensure that the animals can leave the water at any time, escape aids should be inserted in the form of branches. According to KOBER, sumatra fern, Javamoos, dwarf spear leaf and free-flowing liver moss, which are bound to moorkia roots, are suitable for the decorative planting of the tub, as they grow in the soil of the terrarium even in low light. The terrarium must be richly planted. Thick branches with rough bark, which are mainly arranged horizontally, serve as a climbing and resting place. However, stable narrow branches, which extend over the water basin, should also be introduced. These are naturally used for sleeping (COVER 1986). As with all long-tailed lizards, care must be taken that the branches do not cross directly because the tail can be pinched at these points and inevitably cause it to be thrown off. Only vigorous plants, such as Hoya species and Ficus benjamina (KOBER 1998) or Dracaena fragans , Yucca and hard-leaved bromelias such as Vriesa , Aechmaea , Bilbergia and Guzmania (KOBER 2008) are suitable as live plants . Specifically, DATHE (1988) mentions Vriesa splendens , Aechmea fasciata, and Nidularium fulgens .
Basiliscus species :
1- The plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), also called a green basilisk, double crested basilisk, or Jesus Christ lizard, is a species of corytophanid native to Central America.
Plumed basilisk
Female plumed basilisk
Male plumed basilisk
Geographic range:
Its natural distribution ranges from eastern Honduras, through Nicaragua and Costa Rica, to western Panama.[3][4]
Taxonomy and etymology:
The plumed basilisk's generic name Basiliscus is taken from the legendary reptilian creature of European mythology which could turn a man to stone by its gaze: the Basilisk.[5] This name derives from the Greek basilískos (βασιλίσκος) meaning "little king".[5] This epithet was given in Carl Linnaeus' 10th edition of Systema Naturae.[5]
Description :
Scientific classification:
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Suborder:Iguania
Family:Corytophanidae
Genus:Basiliscus
Species:B. plumifrons
Binomial name:
Basiliscus plumifrons
Cope, 1875[2]
Plumed basilisks are one of the largest basilisk species, with an average body length of approximately 10 inches (25 cm). Including the tail, they can reach 3 feet (91 cm) long. Adult lizards are brilliant green with bright yellow eyes and small bluish spots along the dorsal ridge. Males have three crests: one on the head, one on their back, and one on the tail while the females only have the head crest.[6] Juveniles are less conspicuously colored, and lack the characteristic crests.[7]
Diet :
Plumed basilisks are omnivorous and eat insects, small mammals (such as rodents), smaller species of lizards, fruits and flowers.[8] Their predators include birds of prey, opossums and snakes.
Green basilisk (male). Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Reproduction :
The females of this species lay five to fifteen eggs at a time in warm, damp sand or soil. The eggs hatch after eight to ten weeks, at which point the young emerge as fully independent lizards.
Behaviour :
Males are very territorial; a single male may keep land containing a large group of females with whom he mates. Most basilisks are skittish, and do not tolerate much handling when kept in captivity.
This lizard is able to run short distances across water using both its feet and tail for support, an ability shared with other basilisks and the Malaysian sail-finned lizard, Hydrosaurus amboinensis. In Costa Rica, this has earned the plumed basilisk the nickname "Jesus Christ lizard". It is also an excellent swimmer and can stay under water for up to 30 minutes.
For the external links , refrences click here to read the full wikipedia article
Video :
Basiliscus plumifrons eye contact
Care of Plumed basilisk :
1- Plumed basilisk
courtesy to : www.biotropics.com/html/basiliscus_plumifrons.html
Basiliscus plumifrons COPE, 1876
The epithet is composed of the Latin words pluma = feather and frons = forehead and means "feather head". It refers to the frontal lobe, which occurs only in this species of the genus Basiliscus .
English: Plumed Basilisk, Green Basilisk
Protection status :
No protection status.
Price Range :
Medium. You can buy them for about 30 €. Adult offspring are occasionally from 90 €. Wild catches can naturally also be cheaper, but with a little bad luck high consequential costs.
Difficulty :
Medium to high. The animals are very agile and need a spacious terrarium. In particular, wild snakes repeatedly bite the snout on the terrarium discs. It is urgently recommended to use retinal animals.
Description :
The basalisk ( Basiliscus plumifrons ) is one of the most spectacular terrariums ever, due to its color and body shape. If the size and aggressiveness of the day have made it impossible to obtain a Green Iguana ( Iguana iguana ) , the forehead basilisk offers an excellent alternative. In the meantime, forehead basilisks are frequently re-cultivated in Germany, which is why one ought to dispense with stressed and possibly parasitic wild birds.
This species was first described by COPE 1876 with the help of several specimens from Costa Rica. Frontal lobes prefer very moist habitats in the lowland rainforests of Central America up to a height of 250 m NN. The forests are usually so thick that sunlight penetrates only punctually. These places are then also used for occasional sunbathing. There is often a body of water in the immediate vicinity of the inhabited area, usually the inhabited tree even projects directly over a body of water. The living tree, which is richly covered with bromeliads, ferns, orchids and lianas, is to be inhabited by a couple (KÖHLER 2004). The lizards are predominantly obliquely upwards on branches which protrude above the water and observe the environment. Although the animals can also be found at altitudes above 15 m, they usually live in the low leaf roof near the water. Even if the preferred habitat is in the rainforests, one can often find the animals in other biotopes. FITCH (1973) That he found the lizards in Portéte in coconut forests, between coral rocks and tree trunks on the beach
and on an overgrown concrete wall. In Beverly, he watched the lizards in marshes, along rivers in rest forests and on the edge of the forest, while the lizards of San Miguel and Cartago were among rocks on a rapidly flowing mountain stream. In adaptation to its habitat, the basic color of wild living specimens is bright green and tends to turquoise in offspring in captivity (an observation which I have also made with Ritteranolis ). Low light intensity with a low UVA content and a lack of vitamin A are believed to promote blue staining (KOBER 2008). In both males and females, the throat region may be yellowish to bluish. Paravertebral and just before the transition to the abdomen are located at the sides longitudinal series with blue points. The paravertebral series begins in the neck region and can continue into the tail. The lower row extends between the armpit and basin regions. There are occasional 6-7 black transverse ligaments on the back, which begin approximately in the middle of the body and extend into the posterior margin. This characteristic is more common among females. Similar to the Green Iguana, the tail of the tail is browned. Another characteristic of Basiliscus plumifrons is the bright orange colored iris, which stands in stark contrast to the green basic color. The most striking feature, however, is the skin lobes on the head and back, reminding the lizards of the past. Just behind the eyes is a small skin flap, which is directly followed by a large helmet. The neck itself does not carry a skin flap, but at the level of the anterior foot a vertebra supported by 15 spines of the vertebrae begins , which extends to the tail of the tail. Then a flattered ridge, which extends about 1/3 of the tail, begins. KOBER (2008) points out that the extent of the crest varies greatly and can lie between body height and a few millimeters height. The strong hind legs indicate that it is a very fast runner. The long toes are equipped with strong claws, which allow easy climbing. On the side of the toes on the hind feet there are narrow skin seams, To run at high speed over the water, a property which has given the representatives of the genus Basiliscus the name "Jesusechsen".
Also with this kind unfortunately the typical basilisk problem is: Especially wild catches are the snout on the slices sore. This is why it is always advisable to go back to the offspring, which are much quieter and tame enough to eat them out of their hands. In case of danger, the animals stretch their legs and raise the body to make them look bigger. In addition, the lizards can also emit hissing sounds and carry out indicated attacks with the tail. If this does not do anything, start end-face basilisks with open Maulscheintehungen in the direction of the obliging attacker. If this maneuver shows no success, the Basilisks seek their salvation in flight. In the cramped terrarium conditions an escape is not always possible, so that the lizards can also bite vigorously, if need be. SPINNER (2010) advises in such a case to keep calm and not to try to remove the animal by force. This only leads to the fact that the Basilisk can bite even more firmly. He advises to drip a few drops of vinegar into the mouth to free himself from the bite. This only leads to the fact that the Basilisk can bite even more firmly. He advises to drip a few drops of vinegar into the mouth to free himself from the bite. This only leads to the fact that the Basilisk can bite even more firmly. He advises to drip a few drops of vinegar into the mouth to free himself from the bite.
These lizards can reach a body length of over 90 cm, but in most cases remain below 70 cm. The head-trunk length is about 25 cm. KOBER (1998) mentions that these animals are only two years old in nature. Presumably, the abdominal basilisk in captivity can reach an age of more than 15 years, with animals over 8 years already being a rarity (KOBER 2008, SPINNER 2010). KOBER also mentions that one can estimate the age of the males on the head. In older specimens, this appears higher, as fat deposits over time in the lower jaw region and at the base of the head lobe.
A socialization with other species is possible. However, the prerequisite is usually that the roommates are not too small and are not perceived as a threat. KOBER (1998, 2008) mentions a successful socialization with Phelsuma grandis , Ameiva ameiva , Gekko gecko , Acanthosaura capra , Anolis equestris , Gonocephalus chamaeleontinus and Bufo paracnemis . However, KOBER (1997) points out that the roommates should have the same KRLs as the basilisks so that they are by no means regarded as prey. In addition, the Ameives are said to have turned out to be an egg breed, which can hinder successful breeding. MÜLLER (1983) reports on a socialization with Basiliscus vittatus . It is alleged, however, that there are pairings between the two species, which is why they should not be kept together. WINKLE (1996) mentions water agamas, sea urchins and green iguanas, which can be associated with Basiliscus plumifrons in sufficiently large terrariums. I myself could observe a peaceful cohabitation with green iguanas. Which can be socialized in large terrariums with Basiliscus plumifrons. I myself could observe a peaceful cohabitation with green iguanas. Which can be socialized in large terrariums with Basiliscus plumifrons. I myself could observe a peaceful cohabitation with green iguanas.
Sex differences :
There is a sex dimorphism. The mostly larger males have a pronounced tail (up to 6 cm high), which also extends over the tail. In addition, the males have a very large occipital lobe and a smaller forehead lobe. In females one can only find a small occipital lobe. According to KOBER (1997), the helmet of the males is expected to grow much more strongly from an age of 6 months, so that a gender distinction is relatively safe from this point onwards. Using a magnifying glass, the practiced terrarium can recognize the forehead of the males after 2-3 months (KOBER 2008). Another distinguishing feature is the slightly thickened tail of the males. The femoral pores do not exist and are therefore not suitable for distinguishing the sexes.
Distribution :
The distribution area is located in Central America and stretches across the eastern Honduras (MEYER & WILSON 1973), Nicaragua [eg Rio Chiquito (KÖHLER 2004), (VILLA 1983)], Caribbean Costa Rica and Central Costa Rica as well as a small area at the Pacific Coast [KÖHLER 1991, SAVAGE & VILLA 1986, eg Beverly, Cartago, Portéte and San Miguel (FITCH 1973)] to Panama (KÖHLER 2004, LANG 1989). KÖHLER (2004) mentions that Basiliscus plumifrons is particularly common in Tortuguero (Costa Rica). The type locality is in Sipurio, Costa Rica.
Attitude in the terrarium :
terrarium :
An optimal attitude is only possible in very spacious terrariums. According to the guidelines on the minimum requirements, the terrarium should be at least 100 x 75 x 125 cm for an adult couple. However, these dimensions are clearly too small for an adult couple, and the literature is much larger. In particular, wild animals are very terrible. KÖHLER (1991) reports an escape distance of 4-10 m in the wild. KOBER (1998) recommends that not all glass terrariums be made of glass, since glass is not recognized by the animals, and they panic during their panic-like flight. Side walls and rear walls should always be covered with opaque cover. KOBER mentions a basin size with the dimensions of 170 x 80 x 115 cm (L x W x H). Depending on the size of the animals, one male and one to three females can be cared for in this terrarium. In recent publications, however, KOBER (2008) recommends significantly larger basins. In this case, 140 x 70 x 180 cm are the minimum size for a male and 1-2 females. For a group of a male and 2-3 females he even calls 170 x 80 x 190 cm. SPINNER (2010) mentions a terrarium size of about 150 x 120 x 210 cm for a couple or even two males and four females. I doubt, however, that this size is sufficient to hold two males in it. DATHE (1988) mentions a terrarium size of 150 x 80 x 150 cm. SCHMIDT & HENKEL (1995) advise that the terrarium should not be less than 1.2 m³ for a couple, which must not be less than 150 cm. It is, however, That even females, especially during gestation, can be very incompatible. The dominant female pursues the subordinate and can hurt it or stress until it no longer goes to the food and cares. MÜLLER (1983) observed that the subdued animal was more likely to be in the upper part of the terrarium, whereas the other lizards were often found in the middle section. He reports on the attitude of a male with two females in a terrarium with the dimensions of 120 x 60 x 160 cm. Males are highly territorial and can never be kept with other males in a terrarium. Until it ceases to feed and cares. MÜLLER (1983) observed that the subdued animal was more likely to be in the upper part of the terrarium, whereas the other lizards were often found in the middle section. He reports on the attitude of a male with two females in a terrarium with the dimensions of 120 x 60 x 160 cm. Males are highly territorial and can never be kept with other males in a terrarium. Until it ceases to feed and cares. MÜLLER (1983) observed that the subdued animal was more likely to be in the upper part of the terrarium, whereas the other lizards were often found in the middle section. He reports on the attitude of a male with two females in a terrarium with the dimensions of 120 x 60 x 160 cm. Males are highly territorial and can never be kept with other males in a terrarium.
light :
The animals usually live in shady forests, so that an extreme brightening of the terrarium is not necessary. If, however, living plants are present in the terrarium, a minimum brightness must, of course, be guaranteed. In addition, you have to offer the lizards a spot of suns, where they can warm up. HQI or HQL luminaires are also suitable for this purpose, but also special spotlights, which are now available in several variants from different manufacturers. UV lighting is highly recommended. Special lamps (Osram Ultra Vitalux) are best used for this purpose. KOBER (2008) reported good experiences of a three-time irradiation over 20-40 minutes a week from a distance of 60-80 cm. There are also spotlights that emit UV-A and UV-B. KOBER (2008) recommends that, The variant with the highest UV-B content. Fluorescent tubes are suitable for overall illumination. The tubes of the latest generation (T5 and T8) are particularly bright. MÜLLER (1983) uses an HQL de luxe lamp with 125 watts as well as two fluorescent tubes with 20 watts each. A 50 W lamp is used as a heating spot.
For the above terrariums from a size of 170 x 70 x 180 cm KOBER (2008) makes more precise information about the lighting and counts three different variants:
1- 1 x 70-W and 1 x 150-W-HQI; 4 x 23 W energy saving lamp, 2 x 50 W heating cable Version
2- 1 x 150 W-HQI; 1 x 125 W-HQL; 3 x 36 W neon tube, 1 x 50 W heating cable
3- 1 x 150 W-HQI; 2 x 100 W halogen lamps; 3 x 36 W neon tubes, 1 x 50 W heating cable
In the summer, the terrarium is lit for 14 hours and in winter 9-11 hours a day. For all light sources, except for fluorescent tubes, it is important to ensure that the basilisks do not come too close to the lamp to prevent burns. SPINNER (2010) recommends that the animals should also be provided with an outer edge, if possible, so that they receive the necessary UV radiation.
Feeding :
There are examinations of the stomach contents of wild animals. HIRTH (1962) found in the stomachs mainly organisms with a high proportion of freshwater shrimp. The usual insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, zophobas and cockroaches should be fed . Nestjunge mice and sweet fruits are also accepted. KOBER (2008) recommends, however, to feed no more than 2-3 times a month mice due to the high energy content. MÜLLER (1983) offers bananas, grapes, berries and pears enriched twice a week with vitamins. KOBER (2008) also mentions bananas and mango. Kohl and Löwenzahn are also to be eaten (SPINNER 2010). Also lime-powdered earthworms, beef and chicken meat as well as fish pieces are accepted by a feed rod. SCHMIDT & HENKEL (1995) still mention dog and cat food, which, however, is rarely offered. You can also offer the basilisks fish (eg guppies, platys and young goldfish), which are simply released in the water basin. Frozen frozen fodder should also be accepted (SPINNER 2010). Young animals should have a special preference for smooth green caterpillars (MÜLLER 1983). In connection with the feeding, KOBER (1998) mentions that the basilisks also lick the honey, which is intended for the tag geckos. In the wild, other lizards or snakes are also eaten. HIRTH (1962) reported a small bat found in the stomach. COVER (1986) mentions a frog that has been eaten. KOBER (2008) even reports about a small adult finch, Who got lost in the terrarium during cleaning work and was eaten by a female basilbasilbasis. The feed should be regularly dusted with vitamins and minerals. Also a bowl with pigeongrass or grated sepia should always be available to the animals. A good source of calcium is also housed in the body. Adult lizards are fed 2-3 times a week, while adult basilisks eat 5-10 large insects in the week. They receive 5x a week as much as they do within an hour (KOBER 2008). As with other lizards, young creatures mainly feed on animal food, while the adults eat a considerable portion of their diet. HIRTH (1962) That vegetarian food was found in the stomach of eight of the twelve adult specimens, while no vegetarian diet was found in young animals of a total length of 135 mm. Water is usually licked after the spray from the decoration, but also the water basin is used as potions.
Temperature :
The temperatures in the area of spread are stable over the whole year and lie at 25-33 ° C during the day. At night the temperature can drop to 20-25 ° C. MÜLLER (1983) set up a floor with wooden boards in the terrarium, occasionally heated with a 70 W heating cable. He mentions in the winter an average daytime temperature of 26 ° C and at night 21 ° C. Temperatures during the day are 30 ° C during the day and 25 ° C during the night. SPINNER (2010) mentions 22-29 ° C with suns of about 29-32 ° C. KOBER (2008) recommends temperatures of 28-35 ° C in the upper part of the terrarium and 22-28 ° C in the lower parts. In addition, he recommends wrapping thicker branches with a heating cable in large terrariums and covering them with a coconut fiber layer. Additional heat can be provided. SCHMIDT &
Humidity :
The average humidity in the habitat is very high. The climate in the spreading area is characterized by changing rain and dry times. The rainy season is from April to November. During this time, up to 400 mm of rainfall can occur. The average rainfall is on average more than 3000 mm per year, because of the special location near the sea in the dry season much rain can fall. The relative humidity is at least 80% throughout the year (see climatic diagram). MÜLLER (1983) speaks in terrarium conservation in winter of 65% during the day and 90% at night and in the summer of 90% during the day and 95% at night. It should be sprayed daily several times. The installation of a rain system is recommended. KOBER (2008) recommends that, Adapted to the natural conditions in the period from May to October twice daily, in April and October once daily and from November to March only every two days to spray. MÜLLER (1983) changes the humidity by changing the switch-on time of a hygrostate, which is coupled to an air circulator in the water basin. KOBER (2008) also mentions the possibility of increasing the humidity by means of an aquarium heating element in the water basin. However, it is advisable not to set the water temperatures higher than 22-24 ° C, as there is a risk of a cold. In order to achieve an increased humidity, the water temperature should be 2-3 ° C above the air temperature. Also helpful are the usual nebulizers, of which 2-3 pieces are distributed in terrarium and 3-4 times daily for 10-30 minutes are put into operation (KOBER 2008). SPINNER (2010), in contrast to many other authors, recommends that the air humidity is too high due to an increased risk of respiratory disease and recommends values between 50 and 70% unless the terrarium has good air circulation or is exposed to natural sunlight. SCHMIDT & HENKEL (1995) advise to a humidity of 65% during the day and 100% at night. WINKLE (1996) reports 70-90% during the day and also 100% at night. HENKEL (1995) guess the humidity is 65% during the day and 100% at night. WINKLE (1996) reports 70-90% during the day and also 100% at night. HENKEL (1995) guess the humidity is 65% during the day and 100% at night. WINKLE (1996) reports 70-90% during the day and also 100% at night.
Breed :
If one simulates different seasons by manipulating the climate and the lighting time as stated above, pairings usually take place between March and October. The male is approaching the female with violent nods. A female, who is willing to mate, also reacts with nods. After a short chase the male bitches in the neck of the female and it comes to the copulation, which should take 2-4 minutes (KOBER 2008). There will be several matings in the following days. Unqualified females are not supposed to react to the male and also do not escape. If the male attempts nevertheless to climb the female, he should lift the hind body and exert violent twitching movements with the tail root region until the male breaks off the mating efforts. Lt. KOBER (2008), tame specimens of both sexes should show similar reactions by placing the hand on the Schwanwurzel region from above. One or two months after the mating, the female lays down up to 17 eggs. The number of eggs depends on the age and size of the female. Precious females can be seen in the fact that they develop an increased appetite and increase in volume. If the pregnancy is already more advanced, they usually behave aggressively towards their congeners. A few days before the actual oviposition, the female rides the ground in search of a suitable storage place. It is essential to provide several storage points with a substrate of approx. 15 cm in height and moderately moist. The storage sites should not be placed in areas that are not too cool. WINKLE (1996) offered as a storage space a 20 x 15 x 10 cm plastic box filled to the edge with a mixture of sand and peat and placed near a radiant heater. Basiliscus plumifrons can produce 3-5 eggs per year. The eggs are collected and transferred into an incubator. The substrate used is, for example, vermiculite, seramis or perlite. KOBER (2008) recommends that the eggs should be half embedded and the substrate should be kept very moist for the first 7 weeks to prevent the eggs from falling. Towards the end of the incubation period, however, the substrate moisture should be significantly reduced. KOBER recommends that you prepare a box, which is filled 2 cm high with aquarium gravel. Then a 1 cm high layer is filled with water. Then place a 3-5 cm high layer with a dry substrate and lightly moisten the surface with a spray bottle. The eggs are half-embedded in this layer. Presumably, males emerge at higher temperatures. The eggs, which are initially white and up to 24 x 15 mm in size, become increasingly yellowish in size and increase in size so that they can quadruple the weight towards the end of the incubation period. The temperatures should be between 25 and 32 ° C and should be kept rather constant. KOBER (1998) observed that frequent temperature fluctuations and persistently high humidity lead to the dying of the fetuses in the egg. This may be an explanation for the losses reported by WINKLE (1996) during incubation at 100% humidity. Presumably, males emerge at higher temperatures. The eggs, which are initially white and up to 24 x 15 mm in size, become increasingly yellowish in size and increase in size so that they can quadruple the weight towards the end of the incubation period. The temperatures should be between 25 and 32 ° C and should be kept rather constant. KOBER (1998) observed that frequent temperature fluctuations and persistently high humidity lead to the dying of the fetuses in the egg. This may be an explanation for the losses reported by WINKLE (1996) during incubation at 100% humidity. Presumably, males emerge at higher temperatures. The eggs, which are initially white and up to 24 x 15 mm in size, become increasingly yellowish in size and increase in size so that they can quadruple the weight towards the end of the incubation period. The temperatures should be between 25 and 32 ° C and should be kept rather constant. KOBER (1998) observed that frequent temperature fluctuations and persistently high humidity lead to the dying of the fetuses in the egg. This may be an explanation for the losses reported by WINKLE (1996) during incubation at 100% humidity. The temperatures should be between 25 and 32 ° C and should be kept rather constant. KOBER (1998) observed that frequent temperature fluctuations and persistently high humidity lead to the dying of the fetuses in the egg. This may be an explanation for the losses reported by WINKLE (1996) during incubation at 100% humidity. The temperatures should be between 25 and 32 ° C and should be kept rather constant. KOBER (1998) observed that frequent temperature fluctuations and persistently high humidity lead to the dying of the fetuses in the egg. This may be an explanation for the losses reported by WINKLE (1996) during incubation at 100% humidity.
Tab .: Incubation data from the literature
The slip usually manifests itself by the "sweating" of the eggs. If 30-40 hours afterwards no lizards have hatched, KOBER (2008) recommends to provide slipping assistance. Normally, the hatch slits open the egg but do not leave it until the yolk sac is resorbed, which may take several days. Should young animals hatch with a still not resorbed yolk sac, they are held in a terrarium, which is laid out with clean kitchen paper, until the resorption of the yolk for reasons of hygiene. The animals are 9-14 cm long. The first food intake takes place after 3-4 days and the first moulting after 6-8 weeks instead. The gray-brown to olive-colored dyed animals have, like the adulti, two white longitudinal strips on the flanks, which develop as a series of points. In addition, dark brown crossbones are found on the back, which also continue on the tail. The staining begins at the age of 7-8 months at the head and then proceeds to the tail. Two years may pass before complete coloring (KOBER 1997). MÜLLER (1983) cultivated the offspring in a terrarium of 50 x 50 x 60 cm, which was also illuminated with an HQL lamp. At KOBER (2008) a terrarium with the dimensions 40 x 40 x 50 cm had proven itself for the first 3-4 weeks. In common rearing, a ranking is formed, whereby low-ranking lizards can be suppressed. A common rearing of the males can work up to an age of 8-12 months, but afterwards it usually comes to violent arguments, so the animals should be separated in time. Attention should be paid to this. The offspring sometimes grow at different rates. While dominate specimens grow fast, others care. Different animals should be separated. KOBER (2008) advises to separate basilisks with a difference in size of 30%, as otherwise cannibalism may occur. According to FITCH (1973) the sexual maturity is to be reached at an age of 16-18 months with a KRL of 113 mm. In good care, the offspring reach a length of 25 cm after 4 months and a length of 50 cm after one year. Males can even reproduce at this time. KOBER (1998) states that females lay eggs even without a male at an age of 9 to 11 months. Females who were not mated often developed a legend. Female, Which were mated early, again put so many eggs that it means a high strain on the animals. Perhaps a drier rearing of the females without a water basin and a spraying interval of every 2 days can lead to a pregnancy (KOBER 1997, 2008). Males should not be mated before the age of 15 and females not before 18 months (KOBER 2008).
Basiliscus : Introduction , general care and further reading
Basiliscus Species :
1- The plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) : PART 1 .. PART 2
2-The common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus)
3- The western basilisk, or red-headed basilisk (Basiliscus galeritus)
4- The brown basilisk or striped basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus )
Basiliscus : Introduction , general care and further reading
Basiliscus Species :
1- The plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) : PART 1 .. PART 2
2-The common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus)
3- The western basilisk, or red-headed basilisk (Basiliscus galeritus)
4- The brown basilisk or striped basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus )