Cuban Knight Anole

Looks how to spot one

scales

The Cuban knight anole has a robust, somewhat flattened body covered in small, granular scales. It has a large, triangular head with a distinct bony ridge (casque) on top, and a long, whiplike tail that is longer than the body. The limbs are strong and adapted for climbing, with sharp claws for gripping branches.12

Personality what they are like

Cuban knight anoles are territorial and can be aggressive, especially when wild-caught. They will gape, bob their heads, extend their dewlap, and puff up their body to appear larger when threatened. They may bite if they feel cornered. However, captive-bred individuals that are handled regularly from a young age can become quite tame and tolerate being held. They are generally better as display animals than as pets that enjoy frequent handling.24

Daily activity how busy a day looks

These are diurnal lizards that are most active during the day. They are arboreal and need plenty of vertical space with branches and foliage for climbing. They require a basking spot with a temperature gradient, and UVB lighting for 11 to 13.5 hours per day depending on the season. They are not particularly active but need an enclosure large enough to move around comfortably.41

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Cuban knight anoles need a large, tall enclosure (minimum 24"L x 24"W x 48"H for a single adult). Provide a substrate that retains humidity, such as coconut fibre or cypress mulch, and mist daily to maintain humidity. They require a basking temperature of around 32-35°C (90-95°F) and a cooler area around 24-28°C (75-82°F). UVB lighting is essential for calcium metabolism. Clean the enclosure regularly and provide a shallow water dish. They may also benefit from a humid hide.4

Home where they are happiest

In the wild, Cuban knight anoles are strictly arboreal, living in orchards, palm groves, and trees along roads. In captivity, they need a tall enclosure with plenty of branches, vines, and live or artificial plants for climbing and hiding. The enclosure should be kept warm and humid, with a temperature gradient and a basking spot. They are not ground-dwelling and rarely come down to the ground except to move between trees.14

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Cuban knight anoles are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of live insects such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, and waxworms. They may also eat small vertebrates like nestling birds, small lizards, and frogs in the wild. In captivity, they can be offered appropriately sized feeder insects, gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements. They may also occasionally eat fruit, but this should be offered sparingly. Feed adults every other day, as much as they will eat in one sitting.41

Company who they like around

Cuban knight anoles are territorial and should be housed singly. They will fight with other anoles, and males are particularly aggressive towards each other. They are not social animals and do not require companionship. In the wild, they are solitary except during the breeding season. In captivity, they should be kept alone to avoid stress and injury.25

The story where it all began

The Cuban knight anole is native to Cuba and was first introduced to Florida in 1952, likely through the pet trade. It has since established feral populations in southern Florida and has also been introduced to the Cayman Islands, possibly through shipments of ornamental plants. It has been kept as a pet since the early 1950s, with most individuals being wild-caught. Due to its large size and feisty temperament, it is not recommended for beginners, but with proper care, it can become a rewarding pet for experienced reptile keepers.15

Recognised by the official bits

Reptile Database

Recognised as a distinct species within the Anolis genus, with a karyotype of 2n=36, XY/XX sex determination.6

Popularity Moderate; not as common as smaller anole species, but available in the pet trade, often as wild-caught individuals.4