Red tegu

Tegu · 0 live listings

The red tegu is a South American tegu species closely related to the Argentine black and white, with males turning deep red as they mature. It is kept much the same way, tends to eat more fruit, and grows into a large, strong adult.

At a glance

Origin
Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia
Adult size
Males up to about 4.5 ft, females smaller
Lifespan
15–20+ years
Housing
8×4×4 ft with deep, damp substrate
Diet
Whole prey, eggs, lean meat and more fruit
Best fit
Experienced keepers with room and time
Species
Tegu
Category
Reptiles & exotics
Registries
Clutch identifier
Papers
5 categories
HandlingTames with daily work
Setup complexityBig enclosure, brumation
Feeding easeEager omnivore
Beginner fitBig, strong, long-lived

Scales follow breed-club and veterinary consensus; individual animals vary. Listings show what each seller has on file.

The tradeoffs, honestly

A large, long-lived lizard with the same space needs as an Argentine. Colour varies by animal and takes time to develop.

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.

Will it turn red?

Males usually redden with age, but intensity varies. Parent photos are the best guide.

What health records should I ask for?

A hatch record showing captive breeding rather than import, a weight log, a PIT tag number for an older animal, and ideally a vet exam.

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Health tests to ask for
Fecal exam clearCryptosporidium PCR negativeExotics vet exam on fileGenetics report for het claimsHatch or birth record on filePIT tag on file

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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Keep reading

First-time buyer · 8 minCommon pet scams, and the 60-second checks that beat themRead →First-time buyer · 5 minHow to read a health certificate like a vetRead →The marketplaceRed tegu listings on EverybarnBrowse →
Red tegu · Everybarn