Plumed Basilisk
A green lizard famous for running on water with its fringed hind feet, called the 'Jesus Christ lizard'.
Overview
A green lizard famous for running on water with its fringed hind feet, called the 'Jesus Christ lizard'.
History & Origin
The lizard is native to Central & South America. It belongs to the family Other Lizards, a lineage of lizards distributed across those regions and kept both in the wild and by specialist reptile keepers.
Appearance & Size
Plumed Basilisk is a medium (60–80 cm) lizard.
Temperament
It shows the typical temperament of its group—research the species for handling guidance.
Care & Husbandry
Care varies widely across this mixed group: research the exact species for its temperature, humidity, diet (mostly insects, some omnivorous) and enclosure needs. Provide UVB where the species is diurnal, secure hiding places and species-appropriate substrate.
Health & Lifespan
Health needs are species-specific; common reptile issues (MBD, parasites, shedding, dehydration) apply. Always source from reputable breeders and establish a reptile-experienced veterinarian. In captivity a healthy individual may live around 10–15 years.
Popularity & Recognition
This group gathers diverse lizards outside the major families—each with unique ecology worth researching before keeping.
