# Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (*Ctenosaura similis*) The Black Spiny-tailed Iguana is a lively lizard that loves to bask in the sun! With its spiky tail and strong legs, it can climb trees and run fast when it needs to escape. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 8 - **Habitat:** Coastal areas ![Black Spiny-tailed Iguana](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Black_iguana_%28Ctenosaura_similis%29_Cayo.jpg&width=800) Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_iguana_%28Ctenosaura_similis%29_Cayo.jpg) ## Appearance The Black Spiny-tailed Iguana is a large lizard, typically dark grey to black, sometimes with yellow or orange markings. It has distinct keeled scales forming prominent dorsal crests and a tail covered in sharp, spiky rings. Juveniles are often bright green. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Iguanidae - **Genus:** Ctenosaura ## Interesting facts - Males turn bright orange and yellow during breeding season! - These speedy lizards can run up to 35 km/h on two legs! - They are the fastest lizard in the world, on average! - Young iguanas are often bright green, changing color as they grow! ## Special abilities - **Lightning Sprint:** Black Spiny-tailed Iguana can run at incredible speeds on two legs that helps them quickly escape predators. - **Spiky Tail Defense:** Black Spiny-tailed Iguana has a tail covered in sharp spines that helps them powerfully swat away threats. - **Expert Burrower:** Black Spiny-tailed Iguana can dig deep burrows that helps them hide from heat and keep safe from predators. - **Underwater Escape:** Black Spiny-tailed Iguana can hold its breath for long periods that helps them hide from danger in water. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 25-150 cm - **Weight:** 0.5-5 kg - **Lifespan:** 15-25 years - **Speed:** 35 km/h - **Swim Speed:** 5 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 10-30 - **Incubation:** 85-90 days ## Diet & Feeding An omnivore, it enjoys a varied diet of plants, fruits, and small animals. - **Age differences:** Juveniles are primarily insectivorous, becoming more herbivorous as they mature. - **Primary Foods:** Fruits, Flowers, Leaves, Insects, Crabs, Small rodents - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — A common avian predator of young iguanas. - **Eats:** Mango (*Mangifera indica*) — Feasts on ripe fruit when available in its habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Hunted for food in parts of its native range. - **Eaten by:** [Domestic Dog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-dog) (*Canis familiaris*) — Preyed upon by stray and pet dogs. ## Traits - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild iguanas. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Black Spiny-tailed Iguana? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Black Spiny-tailed Iguana? 25-150 cm ### How much does Black Spiny-tailed Iguana weigh? 0.5-5 kg ### How long does Black Spiny-tailed Iguana live? 15-25 years ### How fast can Black Spiny-tailed Iguana move? 35 km/h ### What does Black Spiny-tailed Iguana eat? An omnivore, it enjoys a varied diet of plants, fruits, and small animals. ### How fast can Black Spiny-tailed Iguana swim? 5 km/h ### Where is Black Spiny-tailed Iguana usually found? Coastal areas ## Where to spot - [Flamingo Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/flamingo-gardens) — Florida, US · Botanical Garden - [Gasparilla Inn Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gasparilla-inn-historic-district) — Florida, US · Historic District - [Bay Shore Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bay-shore-historic-district) — Florida, US · Historic District - [Miami Seaquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/miami-seaquarium) — US · Aquarium - [Miami Seaquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/miami-seaquarium-us) — US · Zoo - [Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bill-baggs-cape-florida-state-park) — Florida, US · State Park [View all places to see Black Spiny-tailed Iguana](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/black-spiny-tailed-iguana) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Black Spiny-tailed Iguana: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-spiny-tailed-iguana)