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Imported species record

Source review pending · not a care recommendation

Argentine Black and White Tegu

Salvator merianae · Teiidae

This page preserves an imported legacy dataset record for discovery. Values below are unverified and must not be treated as a ReptBase source-audited husbandry recommendation.

Read the imported record Open a source-audited guide
Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) transparent cutout

01 / Imported record summary

Legacy dataset reference only

Imported reference. Source review pending. Do not treat this page as a complete care recommendation. The imported legacy record has not completed a ReptBase section-level source audit.

The imported legacy record states: Large, highly intelligent lizards often compared to dogs for their potential for tameness and responsiveness to owners.

Imported native region: South America (unverified)

02 / Recorded values

Recorded legacy values

Recorded legacy values below are imported and unverified. They are not ReptBase recommendations.

Imported care-level label
advanced unverified
Imported adult size
Up to 120 cm unverified
Imported lifespan
About 20 years unverified
Imported diet type
omnivore unverified
Imported habitat pattern
subtropical unverified
Family
Teiidae
Imported enclosure dimensions
240 x 120 x 120 cmImported · unverified · length x width x height
Imported ambient band
75-85°FImported · unverified
Imported basking surface
100-115°FImported · unverified
Imported humidity band
60-80% RHImported · unverified

The imported legacy record states (enclosure): Adults need a massive enclosure (8ft x 4ft x 4ft). Substrate should be deep enough to burrow (12-24 inches).

The imported legacy record states (diet): They are omnivores. Their diet should be very varied to ensure proper nutrition.

The imported legacy record states (behavior): Often called the 'dogs of the reptile world' because they can be very tame and even house-broken.

The imported legacy record states (social): Generally solitary but can sometimes be kept in groups if space is extreme. Best kept alone.

Foods listed in the old dataset imported · unverified

  • Ground turkey
  • Whole prey (mice/rats/chicks)
  • Fruit
  • Eggs
  • Dubia roaches

Signs listed in the imported record

  • Very alert
  • Powerful digging
  • Steady weight gain
  • Clear eyes

Imported · unverified

Concern signs listed in the imported record

  • Dragging hind legs
  • Lethargy
  • Swollen jaw
  • Tremors

Imported · unverified · not a diagnosis

03 / What has not been verified

This value has not yet completed a ReptBase source audit

  • Enclosure minimums and product recommendations
  • Heating, UVB, humidity and substrate protocols
  • Feeding ratios, schedules and supplementation claims
  • Social-housing claims
  • Health lists as diagnostic guidance
  • Setup-cost figures as live market prices

Do not treat this as a complete care recommendation.

04 / Questions to verify before using the record

Check before acting on any imported value

  • Which primary sources support this enclosure size for the adult animal?
  • Have heat, UVB and humidity been measured in a comparable enclosure?
  • Does a reptile-experienced veterinarian agree the listed signs are actionable?
  • Are diet notes current for the life stage you are planning for?
  • Is a source-audited ReptBase guide available for a better-supported alternative?

05 / General measurement and veterinary safety note

Measure conditions. Seek veterinary care when needed.

Outdoor climate and imported bands do not set enclosure targets. Enclosure dimensions, materials, ventilation, heat-source distance, thermostat control and measured warm/cool sides change every decision.

This is not a diagnosis. Sudden weakness, breathing difficulty, seizures, major injury or collapse warrants urgent contact with a reptile-experienced veterinarian.

Humidity gradient guidance

This imported band needs a measured humidity gradient

This record lists a tropical humidity band of 60-80% RH. Because that band sits above most indoor room air, plan a moist zone, a drier zone, ventilation, and drying cycles rather than relying on a single enclosure-wide reading.

Read the humidity gradient guide for tropical reptiles

06 / Editorial status

Imported species record

Current statusImported species record
Detailed source reviewPending
Page typeSpecies record · not a care recommendation

Care by location

Argentine Black and White Tegu care profiles by city

Seasonal setup-pressure estimates for each recorded city. Each profile links the species range to outdoor normals and is a planning aid, not a recommendation.