June 2, 2025, 8:51 am | Read time: 5 minutes

The plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), also known as the “Jesus Lizard,” is one of the most impressive reptiles in Central America. With its bright green coloration, spectacular dorsal crests, and ability to run on water, it captivates many terrarium enthusiasts. However, behind this fascinating appearance lies an animal with demanding needs for space, climate, and structure—particularly intriguing for experienced keepers with plenty of patience and room.

Origin

The plumed basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) hails from the tropical rainforests of southeastern Central America, particularly in regions of Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, and Guatemala. There, it primarily inhabits tree-rich riverbanks, where it prefers to stay near water. The species belongs to the family of iguanas (Iguanidae) and is closely related to other basilisk species.

Notable is its adaptation to life in trees: The animals are skilled climbers and avoid the ground except in exceptional situations. An interesting feature is their behavior in danger: They often flee across the water’s surface—a capability enabled by special foot structures. This unique locomotion has earned them the nickname “Jesus Lizard.”

In their native habitat, plumed basilisks are not uncommon, so they are not covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and no special permits are required to keep them. However, habitat loss can lead to local population declines.

Appearance

Plumed basilisks are slender, strikingly colored lizards with a total length of 70 to 80 cm, about two-thirds of which is the tail. Their base color is a bright emerald green to blue-green with occasional light blue, yellowish, or black speckles. The belly side is noticeably lighter. Males are distinguished by three pronounced skin crests on the head, back, and tail, supported by bony structures that can grow up to six centimeters high.

Females show these features much less prominently, and the eponymous frontal lobe is largely absent in them. The body shape with flattened flanks supports climbing ability. Also striking are the strong legs and long toes with skin fringes that enable running over water. The iris is usually yellowish. Overall, the appearance is reminiscent of prehistoric reptile forms or mini-dinosaurs—a reason for the great fascination with this species.

Behavior

The plumed basilisk is an exceptionally agile, shy, and flight-ready animal with a strong urge to move. Its behavior is characterized by high reactivity to environmental stimuli. When threatened, it reacts instantly with a jump into the water or the characteristic run across the water’s surface. Despite its shy nature, it appears significantly more relaxed with sufficient retreat options and a calm environment.

Basiliscus plumifrons is diurnal, lives territorially, and prefers life in the upper levels of its terrarium. While males can be very aggressive towards each other, they tolerate females well in their vicinity. In groups, they exhibit pronounced social behavior with a clear hierarchy. Therefore, this species is not suitable for hectic owners or households with high noise levels.

Plumed basilisks need a richly structured, stimulating environment that promotes natural behavior. Climbing branches, leafy plants, high terrarium walls, and a generous water section support activity. The animals enjoy exploring vertical structures and require many hiding places.

Proper Care & Maintenance

Proper care of the plumed basilisk requires a large, vertically oriented rainforest terrarium. For a pair, at least 200 × 150 × 230 cm should be planned—more for group housing. It’s important to pay attention to the gender composition: Two males should never be kept together, as they can react extremely aggressively to each other. It’s better to keep them as a pair or a group of animals with at most one male.

The terrarium must contain numerous climbing branches, robust plants, cork tubes, and a large water basin (at least twice the head-body length deep, about 12–13 cm). Temperature ranges are 25–30 °C during the day, up to 40 °C under heat spots, and 20–22 °C at night. Humidity should be between 70 and 100 percent. UVB lighting is essential. Plumed basilisks do not require hibernation but can tolerate a three- to four-month dry period. Regular cleaning and monitoring for snout injuries are essential.

Different temperature levels and sun islands for thermoregulation behavior are important. A spray system or manual spraying provides additional activity incentives. Live food can be placed in hard-to-reach areas as a foraging challenge—this increases engagement and promotes hunting behavior.

Diet

Plumed basilisks primarily prefer animal food. The main components are insects, such as crickets, grasshoppers, house crickets, wax moths, and superworms. Additionally, they occasionally consume small freshwater fish, young mice, or chicks. They also accept plant-based food like bananas, berries, or vegetables, but it should only be fed in moderation.

Unsuitable are salads with an unfavorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, such as lettuce, and oxalic acid-rich vegetables like spinach. Regular administration of vitamin and calcium supplements is important—especially with vitamin D3 if UVB supply is insufficient. The feeder insects should be well-nourished (“gut loading”) to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

Susceptibility to Certain Diseases

Plumed basilisks are susceptible to stress-related issues, especially skin and snout injuries from glass walls (“nose rubbing”) if not properly cared for. Common health problems include metabolic bone disease (MBD) due to UVB deficiency or insufficient calcium supply, parasite infestations, and skin infections. Persistently low humidity can lead to shedding problems.

Regular veterinary visits, optimal terrarium hygiene, and a balanced diet are necessary. Complications can also arise during reproduction, such as egg binding in females without a suitable laying site. Early observation and veterinary care are crucial.

More on the topic

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The Plumed Basilisk at a Glance

• Size: up to 80 cm total length, head-body length 17–24 cm
• Coloration: emerald green to blue-green with light speckles
• Character: shy, escape-oriented, diurnal
• Care: large, vertically oriented rainforest terrariums with climbing opportunities and water section
• Diet: primarily insects, supplemented by small vertebrates and some plant matter
• Special Features: can run on water (“Jesus lizard”), pronounced dorsal crest
• Lifespan: 5–8 years, up to 13 years with good care