Reptile · GBIF taxon 2459603
Black Spiny-tailed Iguana
Ctenosaura similisAlso known as Black Iguana, Central American Spiny-tailed Iguana
Black spiny-tailed iguanas are powerful, fast-moving lizards famous for holding the world record as the fastest sprinting reptile. Juveniles display a bright green coloration that darkens into bold black and grey bands as adults mature. Dominant adults actively defend sunny perches along rocky outcrops, tree trunks, and ruins using tail whips and strong jaws.
ReptileFastest LizardSun-loving
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Foliage
- Insects
- Fallen fruits
Predators
- Hawks
- Boas
- Raccoons
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive species management, and local hunting for meat
HabitatsTropical dry forests, coastal dunes, grasslands, rocky outcrops, and urban edges
Life span15–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyIguanidae
- GenusCtenosaura
- SpeciesCtenosaura similis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Delivers a painful bite and sharp tail whip if threatened; maintain a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with strong jaws, razor-sharp teeth, and serrated tail spines that can inflict serious lacerations.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Identified by dark grey to black body banding and rows of prominent spiky scales down the back and tail.
- What to do
- Never attempt to grab or corner wild individuals; always allow them a clear escape route.
Responsible observation
- Viewing Distance: Keep several meters of space to avoid startling these swift, wary lizards.
- Basking Spots: Scan sunlit stone walls, fence posts, and rocky ledges during mid-morning hours.
- Avoid Feeding: Do not offer food, as hand-feeding habituates them and increases bite risks.
Competitor "Green Iguana" by wwarby is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative Hyalinobatrachium / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain Pro
Desert Sands
Black Spiny-tailed Iguana is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.