Care Guide
Overview
- Common Name: Mountain Horned Dragon
- Scientific Name: Acanthosaura capra
- Origin: Southern Vietnam & Cambodia
- Size: 10-12 inches
- Lifespan: 5+ years
- Temperament: Calm, semi-arboreal, shy but can become tolerant
Enclosure Setup
Tank Size
- Minimum: 36" x 18" x 36"
- Recommended: 24" x 24" x 36" or larger recommended
Substrate
- Our Mixture: Bio-active mix
Decor
- Dense Plants (live preferred)
- Branches, vines, cork bark
- Leaf cover for hiding
- Waterfall or drip systems
Temperature and Heating
Temperature Gradient
- Basking Spot: 86–90°F
- Cool side: 73–82°F
- Night temps: Can drop to 70–76°F
Heating Equipment
- Halogen basking bulb (preferred)
- Ceramic heat emitter (if needed at night)
Humidity
- Target: 70-80% maintained with moist substrate, occasional misting, and a large water dish
Lighting
- UVB: Required
- Use 5-7% UVB tube placed over basking area
- Photoperiod: 10-12 hours daily
Diet
Staples
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Mealworms (in moderation)
- Occasional Superworms
Feeding Schedule
- Adults: 3-4 feedings per week
- Juveniles: every other day
Supplements
- Calcium:
- With D3: 2-3x per week
- Multivitamin: 1x per week
Water:
- Provide a water dish at all times, they may soak occasionally but also prefer drinking from mist droplets on leaves
Behavior and Handling
- Calm but very shy at first
- Will hide often
- May tolerate handling after acclimation
- Prefers minimal disturbance
Health and Common Issues
Signs of a healthy individual
- Bright, smooth scales
- Clear eyes
- Strong feeding response
- Regular burrowing
Common Problems
- Dehydration: Wrinkled or leathery skin
- Shedding Issues: Low humidity
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Lack of calcium/UVB
- Parasites: Most prevalent in wild caught individuals
These are common health problems but if your animal is sick or having issues PLEASE CONSULT A REPTILE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Key Care Tips
- Tall, planted rainforest setups
- High Humidity
- Moderate temps
- UVB lighting
- Live insect diet