Care Guide
Overview
- Common Name: Blue Ameiva
- Scientific Name: Ameiva ameiva
- Origin: Central & South America + Caribbean
(Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay, Trinidad, etc.)
- Size: 16–24 inches total length
- Lifespan: 5–15+ years possible with good care
- Temperament: Skittish, fast, not typically “handleable” but can become somewhat tolerant over time
Enclosure Setup
Tank Size
- Minimum: 40-gallon breeder (temporary)
- Recommended: 4x2x2 ft (120 gallon) for one adult but bigger is better as they are runners
Substrate
- Ideal Depth: 5–8+ inches
- Our Mixture: Organic topsoil + play sand + coco fiber
Decor
- Secure logs, cork bark, and rocks
- Dense cover and open basking zones
- Optional climbing branches
Temperature and Heating
Temperature Gradient
- Basking Spot: 100-110°F
- Warm side: 80–90°F
- Cool side: 75–80°F
- Night temps: Can drop to 70–72°F
Heating Equipment
- Halogen basking bulb (preferred)
- Ceramic heat emitter (if needed at night)
Humidity
- Target: 50-70% maintained with moist substrate, occasional misting, and a large water dish
Lighting
- UVB: Required (T5 HO 10.0 recommended)
- Photoperiod: 10-12 hours daily
Diet
Staples
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Grasshoppers
- Mealworms/Superworms
Occasional:
- Pinky mice
- Eggs
- Small amounts of fruit
Feeding Schedule
- Adults: 3-4 feedings per week
- Juveniles: 4-5 feedings per week
Supplements
- Calcium:
- With D3: 2-3x per week
- Multivitamin: 1x per week
Water:
- Provide a large water dish at all times, they may soak occasionally
Behavior and Handling
- Very active and intelligent hunters
- Not ideal for frequent handling
- Stress easily if chased or grabbed
- Best as a display species
Key Care Tips
- Large enclosure
- Deep diggable substrate
- UVB lighting
- Strong basking heat
- High protein insect diet
- Minimal handling