Argentine black and white tegu
Tegu · 0 live listings
The Argentine black and white tegu is a large South American lizard known for becoming tame and dog-like with daily handling. It brumates through winter and grows to four feet or more, so it needs a big enclosure and a long commitment.
At a glance
The tradeoffs, honestly
A strong, long-lived lizard that needs an 8-foot enclosure and daily attention to stay tame. Legal limits are tightening in some states.
Common questions
Is it legal where I live?
Florida added tegus to its prohibited list in 2021, Georgia bars new pet Argentine tegus (licences only for science, education or exhibition, from December 2022), and Hawaii bars most non-native reptiles. Check your state and city rules first.
What is brumation?
A winter slowdown when tegus sleep for weeks or months and eat little or nothing. It is normal, but check weight before and after.
What health records should I ask for?
A hatch record showing captive breeding, a weight log, and a PIT tag number for an older animal. A vet exam and clear fecal are a good sign.
What health tests should an Argentine black and white tegu have?
Ask for Fecal exam clear, Cryptosporidium PCR negative, Exotics vet exam on file, Genetics report for het claims, Hatch or birth record on file and PIT tag on file.
Sources and standards
Recommended health records for an Argentine black and white tegu: Fecal exam clear, Cryptosporidium PCR negative, Exotics vet exam on file, Genetics report for het claims, Hatch or birth record on file and PIT tag on file. Ask the seller for each record; Everybarn does not check documents with their issuers.
Ask the seller for these. Documents on Everybarn are on file for your own checks; we don't check them with the issuer.
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