Green Iguana (Blue)
Scientific Name: Iguana iguana
Common Name: Blue Green Iguana, Blue Phase Green Iguana
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m) in total length, with some large males exceeding this range. Their tail accounts for more than half their overall length.
Appearance: The Blue Green Iguana is a selectively bred colour phase of the Green Iguana. This variant displays enhanced blue tones along the head, body, and limbs, with some individuals showing turquoise or powder-blue highlights across the dewlap and dorsal spines. Colouration may intensify during basking or breeding season. Body structure is identical to the wild-type, featuring tall dorsal spines, a pronounced dewlap, muscular limbs, and a long, powerful tail.
Distribution: Native range mirrors that of the Green Iguana, spanning Central and South America including Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Brazil.
Habitat: Wild Green Iguanas inhabit tropical forests, riverbanks, mangroves, and densely vegetated canopy zones. In captivity, Blue Green Iguanas require large arboreal enclosures with strong lighting and plentiful climbing structures.
Behaviour: Green Iguanas are diurnal, arboreal, and primarily herbivorous. They bask extensively, climb confidently, and may display territorial behaviours such as dewlap extension, tail whipping, and head-bobbing. The Blue phase does not influence behaviour; individuals behave identically to standard Green Iguanas.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a large, vertically oriented enclosure at least 8 feet × 4 feet × 4 feet (2.4 × 1.2 × 1.2 m) for a growing iguana, with larger or custom enclosures recommended for adults. Furnish the space with heavy branches, ramps, secure platforms, live or artificial foliage, and multiple basking sites.
Temperature and Humidity:
Basking area: 100 to 105°F (38 to 40°C)
Warm side: 90 to 95°F (32 to 35°C)
Cool side: 78 to 82°F (26 to 28°C)
Night temperatures: 72 to 75°F (22 to 24°C)
Maintain humidity between 60 and 80 percent through daily misting and deep water dishes.
Lighting: Provide strong full-spectrum lighting and high-output UVB (10 to 12 percent). Blue individuals benefit from bright lighting, which enhances their natural colour tones.
Diet: Offer a strictly herbivorous diet consisting of leafy greens, edible flowers, bell peppers, squash, green beans, prickly pear cactus pads, and occasional fruits. Avoid high-oxalate vegetables. Calcium supplementation is essential, especially for juveniles and breeding animals.
Behaviour in Captivity: These iguanas are active, intelligent, and visually aware. They respond well to consistent routines and large, enriching enclosures. Individual tolerance to handling varies, and patient socialization promotes calmer interactions.
Special Considerations:
• A very large enclosure is essential for long-term health.
• Consistent UVB exposure is critical for proper metabolic function.
• Ensure access to shaded and basking areas to maintain healthy thermoregulation.
• Blue colour intensity varies per individual and may change seasonally or with mood.
Taxonomy Note
The Green Iguana is a member of the family Iguanidae. Iguana iguana is among the most widely distributed and recognized iguana species. The Blue phase is produced through selective breeding and does not represent a separate subspecies.
Genetics Note
Axanthic (recessive): Blue or Axanthic Green Iguanas display reduced yellow pigment, giving them blue to turquoise tones. The gene is recessive, and visual axanthic individuals express the characteristic blue appearance fully.
Selective colour enhancement: Many Blue Green Iguanas come from line breeding that intensifies blue saturation. This natural variation does not represent a separate gene but builds upon the Axanthic foundation.