What type of Tegu is best for me?

By Rose Childers for the Tropoddity Family

​

First off, I will say there are several different species of Tegu, but only four types seem to be popular in the pet trade, mostly due to others being rare and/or none importable. Therefore we will only be talking about what IS in the pet trade... There are four main types, and 3 of the 4 can/do brumate / hibernate around 5-6 months out of the year.

​

1.) Argentine Black & White Tegus - Tupinambis merianae

The Argentine black and white Tegu can reach an adult size of 4-5 ft. (including the tail). Weight, usually around 12-15 pound's adult size and some can weigh in upwards to around 19+ pound's are not uncommon. Males develop large jowls. The estimated life span of an Argentine black and white Tegu is around 15-20 years in captivity. Argentine tegus make good pets, as they have a tendency to become attached to their owners and are generally quite docile as adults. They can come in a large variety of shades, some more black than others, yet some with much more white than black. Some have mostly black heads, while others have more white heads. Easily tamed and can even learn to respond to voice and hand que's rather quick and easily.

The Arg. blk/wh Tegu is omnivorous feeding on mice, rats, fish, snails, chicken, turkey, hard-boiled eggs, crickets, beef heart, just to name a few. A variety of fruits and vegetables may be offered too.

2.) Argentine Red Tegu - Tupinambis Rufescens

Argentine Red Tegus “Tupinambis Rufescens” are the heaviest of all tegus. They are capable of reaching an average of about 20 -/+ lbs and about 4 ½ ft. Males develop large jowls. They can be tamed and are very docile. They are the more stout, thick bodied of the Tegus. The estimated life span of an Argentine Red Tegu is like the blk/wh's, around 15-20 years in captivity. They are more cold tolerant then other species of Tegu. They do come in various shades of red coloring, from a pink look to bright or even very dark red. Some have heavy dark bandings, while others show little signs of any. Some can be a little harder to tame than the Arg. blk/wh's when young (but for the most part, just as easy with most) and can also learn to respond to voice and hand que's also rather quick and easily. Red Tegus are omnivorous feeding on mice, rats, fish, snails, chicken, turkey, hard-boiled eggs, crickets, beef heart, as is with the blk/wht's. not to mention a variety of fruits and vegetables ,even more so than the Arg. blk/whts..

3.) Blue Tegu - Tupinambis Merianae

The Blue Tegu, is a smaller type of tegu, ranging from 7 to 12 pounds when fully grown, and attaining an adult length of 4 ft (most of the length is tail) females are smaller. The estimated life span of a Blue Tegu is said to be around 15-20 years in captivity. Renowned for its light blue coloration, which is most intense on adult males. Even immature animals can be easily distinguished from other mostly black and white tegu species by the "singe mark" on their nose, and "teardrop" running down under the eye, onto the cheek area. The coloring of a Blue Tegu can range from an all white animal (albino) to a powder blue to even a platinum coloration. Blue Tegu's, are much more carnivorous than the Arg. Red Tegu's or the Arg. Black and whites.

They are among the more suitable tegus for pets and can be easily tamed, as with the red's & blk/wh's.

4.) Columbian Tegu - Tupinambis teguixin​
 

  Colombian Tegus are found throughout central South America. Unlike other Tegu's, They are carnivorous! They are large and powerful lizards,weighing in around 8 lbs and can reach 3 ½ feet in total length. Again, males are larger than females. These lizards prefer a tropical habitat and they do not hibernate, as the others do. Colombian Tegus are known to be more aggressive than other types of Tegus and may take some work to tame. Although these seem to be most abundant in the pet trade and cost less, they are "not" considered the better pet tegu for the inexperienced. The estimated life span of a Columbian Tegu is said to be around 8-10 years in captivity.

​