Description: Also known as Crested basilisk, Double-crested basilisk, Plumed basilisk and Jesus Christ lizard (because they can run on top of the water). The four known species of this spectacular lizard are distributed from tropical southern Mexico to the northwestern coast of Ecuador. They mainly live in trees near rivers or other bodies of water where they can escape danger by jumping in, running across the surface, swimming away or hiding underwater. They may also be found on top of rocks and dead logs. Males look a bit prehistoric with dinosaur-like crests on the head and back. The largest males can reach over 32" in length, much of which is the tail. They can live for an average of 14 to17 years and have been known to live for up to 20 years. Most available basilisks are wild caught or imported from reptile farms and may be skittish and difficult to handle. With patience and the proper care they will adjust to captivity and settle down. Their care is similar to that of Water dragons. Males are highly territorial and must not be kept together in the same enclosure or they will fight. They display head bobbing to threaten each other and also when courting females.

Species:
Green basilisk Basiliscus plumifrons From south Nicaragua through Costa Rica to western Panama. They live in lowland forests with steady temperatures that stay between about 70 and 90°F and a rainy season from June through October. This species and the Common basilisk are the largest, growing to 32" or more. Adult males have crests from head to tail and a vivid green color with lighter spots. Egg clutch size is variable, usually between 8 and 16 per clutch.
Common basilisk Basiliscus basiliscus From southwest Nicaragua to northwest Colombia with a subspecies ranging even farther to the south. They live in lowland and foothill forests with steady temperatures that stay between about 70 and 90°F and a rainy season from June through October. This species and the Green basilisk are the largest, growing to 32" or more. Adult males have crests from head to tail. Egg clutch size is variable, usually between 8 and 18 per clutch.
Striped basilisk Basiliscus vittatus From southern Mexico to northwest Colombia where they can be found in a variety of lowland to highland habitats but are most plentiful in dry forests. The temperatures have a 10°F seasonal variation ranging from about 60 to 90°F altogether. Rainy season is the same; from June through October. This is the medium sized basilisk, growing to about 28". Adult males have crests on the head and back. Egg clutch size is usually between 5 and 10 per clutch.
Redheaded basilisk Basiliscus galeritus From Panama to western Colombia and into northwest Ecuador. It lives in habitats with temperatures between 65 and 85°F that are dry most of the year except for the rainy season from January to March. This is the smallest basilisk, growing to about 21", they are delicate and not often available. Adult males have crests on the head.
These are the hardest basilisks to breed and they have small egg clutches, usually 5 or less.

Temperature: Daytime – 75 to 85°F with a basking site near 95°F. A few degrees cooler at night is beneficial. A temperature gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred.

Humidity: Around 60 to 80% with frequent misting. Seasonal variations should occur.

Lighting: UV lighting is required, the 5.0 fluorescent type will also supply the light to grow some plants. A basking light is also needed. Use a timer to provide a consistent 12-hour day during the summer.

Feeding: Somewhat omnivorous, especially when young. Crickets and mealworms are fine as a staple diet but a variety of other insects should be offered. Earthworms, snails, goldfish and pinkie mice, etc. can be offered too. They also eat some vegetables, fruits and seeds. Basilisks become more predatory as adults. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given at least twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing lizards. A bowl of clean water large enough to fully submerge in should be available at all times. A water feature large enough to swim in would be even better. They may use it for a toilet so it will need to be cleaned often.

Habitat: These are very active lizards, at least a 55-gallon tank with a secure, ventilated lid is needed for a pair and at least a 75-gallon for a larger group, a tall tank is best. Set it up as an arboreal forest or jungle habitat with sturdy plants and plenty of climbing branches. Be sure to provide a basking spot, thick branches work well. Keep the substrate somewhat moist but not soggy. A water dish large enough to completely submerge in is good, but a water feature large enough to swim in is the best.
Keeping basilisks in outdoor enclosures when the temperatures are suitable is very good for them. Natural, unfiltered sunlight is the very best source of UV possible but cool shaded areas must be available to the animals when it gets too hot for them. High humidity needs to be maintained (misters or foggers work well). Also provide a pool of clean water in a shady area.

Breeding: Always start with healthy animals, 1 male with 2 or more females seems to work best. Outdoor breeding works a little better than it does indoors. Cycle the breeders for 2 to 3 months beforehand by keeping the temperatures and humidity in the low range with a day length of about 10 hours. Then gradually bring these environmental factors up to the high range with a 12 to 14 hour day length. This should induce breeding behavior, demonstrated with much head bobbing by the male as he courts the females. If a female is receptive, she will allow him to copulate with her multiple times. Gravid females will become noticeably heavier over the next couple of weeks and will need a place to lay eggs during the third week. A suitable egg-laying medium, such as potting soil mixed with sand, should be available to her, either as part of the substrate or in a separate container. She will dig a nest and test for the proper temperature using a receptor in her nose. When everything is to her liking, she will lay the eggs and bury them. Up to 4 or 5 clutches may be laid per season.
The leathery eggs should be carefully removed for incubation, making sure to keep the orientation the same as it was when they were laid. Marking the top of each egg with a pencil helps. Bury them about 2/3 of the way down into the incubating medium, maintain high humidity and a temperature of about 84°F.
Hatching takes place in about 2 to 3 months and is spread out over a couple of days. The hatchlings should not be removed from the incubator while the yolk sack is being absorbed.
They can be housed and maintained in a similar manner as the adults. Young males may start fighting at 5 months old and will need to be housed with no more than 1 per enclosure, females should be okay with them and each other. Sexual maturity is attained at 1½ to 2 years.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna