Lizards
Sudan plated lizard care guide
Gerrhosaurus major
A calm, armoured omnivore (about 18 in) that suits keepers who want a handleable lizard.
Terrestrial — floor space first
New to reptiles? Check your keeper level first →Sudan plated lizard enclosure size
Terrestrial — floor space first. An adult sudan plated lizard should live in at least 48" L × 24" W × 24" H; we build toward 72" L × 24" W × 24" H (6 × 2 × 2 ft, roughly 12 sq ft of floor and about a 180-gallon glass equivalent).
- Hatchling / baby
- 30" L × 12" W × 12" H recommended · min 18" L × 12" W × 12" H
- Juvenile
- 48" L × 18" W × 18" H recommended · min 30" L × 18" W × 18" H
- Adult
- 72" L × 24" W × 24" H recommended · min 48" L × 24" W × 24" H
Temperature and heating
Overhead heat (halogen, deep heat projector or radiant panel) on a thermostat, creating a warm-to-cool gradient.
- Basking / warm surface
- 100–110°F basking spot
- Warm side (ambient)
- 85–90°F
- Cool side (ambient)
- 75–80°F
- Night
- 65–75°F
Lighting and UVB
UVB: Strong UVB required (T5 HO 10–12% across most of the enclosure). Run lights on a 12 hours on, 12 hours off photoperiod, on a timer, and replace UVB bulbs on the manufacturer's schedule even while they still emit visible light.
Humidity
Target 30–50%. Dry overall with a water dish and humid hide.
Substrate and depth
Sand/soil mix. Depth: 4–6 in.
Diet and feeding
Omnivore: insects plus greens, vegetables and some fruit, dusted with calcium.
Enclosure tips and furnishing
- Hides on both the warm and cool sides
- Clean water available at all times
- Clutter — cork, leaf litter, plants — for cover
Build list
- Enclosure at adult size — Buy for the adult footprint to avoid repeated upgrades.
- Digital thermostat — Every heat source must run through a thermostat — unregulated heat burns animals.
- Two digital probe thermometers + hygrometer — Read the warm side, cool side and humidity directly.
Sudan plated lizard FAQ
How big should an adult Sudan plated lizard enclosure be?
At least 48" L × 24" W × 24" H, and we recommend building to 72" L × 24" W × 24" H — about 6 × 2 × 2 ft, or a 180-gallon glass equivalent. Terrestrial — floor space first.
What temperatures does a Sudan plated lizard need?
Basking or warm surface 100–110°F basking spot, warm side 85–90°F, cool side 75–80°F, night 65–75°F. Overhead heat (halogen, deep heat projector or radiant panel) on a thermostat, creating a warm-to-cool gradient.
Does a Sudan plated lizard need UVB?
Strong UVB required (T5 HO 10–12% across most of the enclosure). Photoperiod: 12 hours on, 12 hours off.
What humidity does a Sudan plated lizard need?
30–50%. Dry overall with a water dish and humid hide.
What substrate is best for a Sudan plated lizard?
Sand/soil mix, at a depth of 4–6 in.
How big does a Sudan plated lizard enclosure need to be for a hatchling?
Hatchling / baby: 30" L × 12" W × 12" H recommended, minimum 18" L × 12" W × 12" H. Scale up to the adult footprint as the animal grows.
Sources
Put this guide to work
Apply these targets to your own sudan plated lizard record, then log feedings, sheds and weights against them.