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Description
Green Iguana (Hypo Axanthic Red)
Scientific Name: Iguana iguana
Common Name: Hypo Axanthic Red Green Iguana
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m) in total length, with large males sometimes exceeding this range. Their long tail accounts for more than half their overall length.
Appearance: The Hypo Axanthic Red Green Iguana is a selectively bred combination of three visual traits: reduced melanin (Hypo), reduced yellow pigment (Axanthic), and enhanced red colouration. These traits together create a striking appearance where red tones become the dominant pigment, often ranging from brick red to deep coral or rusty orange. Blue or grey undertones may appear along the limbs and spines due to the Axanthic influence. Hypo expression gives the skin a softer, cleaner look with reduced dark patterning. Structural features remain identical to the wild-type, including tall dorsal spines, a pronounced dewlap, and a long, muscular tail.
Distribution: The natural species distribution spans 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, canopy systems, and mangroves. In captivity, these colour-phase iguanas thrive in tall, spacious enclosures with dense climbing structures and strong lighting.
Behaviour: Green Iguanas are diurnal, arboreal, and primarily herbivorous. They display territorial behaviours such as dewlap extension, head-bobbing, and tail-whipping. The Hypo, Axanthic, and Red traits do not influence temperament; behaviour remains identical to the wild-type.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a large arboreal enclosure at least 8 feet × 4 feet × 4 feet (2.4 × 1.2 × 1.2 m), with larger custom enclosures recommended for adults. Include secure branches, climbing platforms, vines, and heavy foliage to mimic natural canopy environments.
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 around 60 to 80 percent with daily misting and deep water dishes.
Lighting: Provide strong full-spectrum lighting and high-output UVB (10 to 12 percent). Balanced light and shade are important to allow natural thermoregulation and to support vibrant colour expression.
Diet: Offer a strictly herbivorous diet of leafy greens, edible flowers, bell peppers, squash, prickly pear cactus pads, green beans, and occasional fruits. Avoid high-oxalate vegetables. Provide calcium supplementation regularly.
Behaviour in Captivity: These iguanas are intelligent, active, and visually alert. They thrive with consistent routines and large, enriched enclosures. Handling tolerance varies and improves with calm, gradual socialization.
Special Considerations:
• Provide large basking and shaded areas to support proper thermoregulation.
• Strong UVB remains essential for all colour phases.
• Red tones may intensify during basking, growth stages, or breeding season.
• Ensure climbing structures are solid enough to support their size and weight.
Taxonomy Note
The Green Iguana belongs to the family Iguanidae, a diverse group of herbivorous New World lizards. Iguana iguana is highly adaptable and widely distributed. The Hypo Axanthic Red phase is a captive-bred combination and not a distinct subspecies.
Genetics Note
Hypo (recessive): Reduces melanin, resulting in lighter overall appearance and reduced dark patterning. Visual Hypo individuals appear cleaner and brighter.
Axanthic (recessive): Reduces or removes yellow pigment, which shifts overall tone toward blue, grey, or cool undertones. When combined with red lineage, the absence of yellow intensifies red contrast.
Red Line (polygenic): Selective breeding enhances red pigmentation across the body. Expression varies between individuals and develops further with age.