Scientific Name:

Anolis equestris

Size as Adult:

Can reach over 20 inches

Breeding size and age:

16 – 18 inches, 2 years

The Cuban Knight Anole is the largest Anole in the world, reaching lengths of over 20 inches if properly cared for. The average length seems to be between 7 – 18 as adults, this may vary depending on how well the animal is cared for and the particular animal itself. In the wild Knight Anoles spend a lot of time in trees, off the ground, and is most active during the day. For this reason, it is best to make the habitat more arboreal (lots of trees and places to climb on). By nature Knight Anoles are aggressive towards one another, especially males. They can be kept in groups, but one male is suggested. If there are two or more males, one may become aggressive and need to be separated. Males MAY become aggressive towards females. Captive bred anoles are more calm and less aggressive then their wild caught counterparts. Knight Anoles are not known for being handled very easily. It takes a lot of time to tame them and some never come around. Captive bred are better at this is handled at a young age. Knight Anoles have sharp teeth and a strong jaw and can bite. Do not keep your Knight Anole with any other species of Anole, they will eat them. In the wild Knight Anoles eat a variety of insects, some veggies, small mammals, and smaller lizards.

Knight Anoles have the ability to change color as does smaller Anoles. Both the males and females have a brightly colored pink dewlap under their chin. The actually look like a dino, just like the smaller Cuban Brown Anole. Most Knight Anoles are wild caught and they are known for being aggressive. Watch out. Like all lizards kept as pets they will need calcium that you sprinkle on their food. Calcium builds strong bones and will help prevent the most common problem in lizard pets. Knight Anoles also need a UVB lighting system to produces vitamin D3, which is very important to lizards.

Below is some care information.


Habitat:
- Lots of branches, climbing objects
- Plants as ground cover and security
- 65% - 75% humidity
- substrate of either:

o mixture of potting soil, sand, bark, and leaves
o potting soil
o sand, reptile calcium sand
o bark
o newspaper (not suggested)
o Aspen bedding can be used

- Temp at around 82 and 86 Fahrenheit (22.7 – 30 Celsius) – Daytime
- Temp nighttime – 75 and 80 F (23.8 – 26.6 C)
- Fluorescent lighting
- Misted at least twice a day
- Better if watered on a drip system
- UVB lighting
- 55 gal minimal tank size. High tanks work best

Food:

- varied diet works well
- grasshoppers
- crickets
- earthworms
- wax worms
- moths
- butter worms
- mealworms
- pinkie mice
- occasional veggies



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