Basilisk

[Squeaks]

im thinking of getting a basilisk but im not sure what kind, brown or green? whats the diffrence? and are they hard to keep?

and where can i buy them, like what website? how much do they cost?

[Kevin McRae]

I have a northern brown basilisk, and she is a joy to keep, the biggest issue is cage size.

Green Bassies need a cage the size of a 100-150 gallon aquarium, while brown bassies need a 50-100 gallon aquarium.Brown bassies don't need as much humidity either.

Cost is no issue for bassies anymore....I got my brown bassie for 29.99$ canadian, and I see lots of sub-adult green bassies for 50-60$...........remember male northern brown bassies only have a large crest on top of there head while male southern brown and male green bassies have a large tail fin a dorsal fin and a crest on there head.

You can get them at most reptile store.............since you live in california I recommend from www.lllreptile.com.

Good luck

[DiamondDave]

Hello,

I have a Green Basilisk, it's about 4 months old right now so it is difficult to tell whether it is male or female. The biggest difference between Brown and Green is color. Males of all 4 types (common basilisk, red-headed basilisk, green (double crested) basilisk and the central american basilisk) have pronounced crests on their heads and back. Green basilisks look very similiar to what a "dragon" would look like. Very cool, that's for sure.

Basilisk care is very similiar to that of a Water Dragon. You can find plenty of care sheets on them if you google green or brown basilisk. I purchased mine at LLLReptile (online). It arrived in perfect condition and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Check them out for prices.

Take care,
You will be happy with any of these guys, they look amazing!
This is mine MALICE.

[Squeaks]

so the only diffrence between the green and brown is the looks?

[DiamondDave]

http://www.ritchiereptiles.com/North..._Basilisk.html
http://www.repticzone.net/basilisks.html
Try these links, they have more detailed care instruction.

Either of these will need a large enclosure, at least 6'Hx4'Wx2'D and enough water to submerge 2/3 of their body. They also require Moderate to High humidity, preferably 70-80% which is difficult to regulate at times. I have central air so it takes more work in the summer, be persistant is all I can say. Have a look on Google for them, you will get plenty of hits.

Take care,

[Squeaks]

ok, im sure im gonna get a green, and a cage is no problem i have a 8 feet long by 3 feet wide by 4 feet high. but the only problem is the setup and the bedding. can you guys post pics of your setup please thanks

[DiamondDave]

Here's mine,


For substrate I used 3 inches of top soil and covered that in Repti-Bark. It works pretty well, just make sure your enclosure is water proofed. I am using fake plants I bought from wal-mart and a room humidifier. The doors are 1/4" plexiglas which slide left or right.

Have a good one, I think you'll be really happy with your new reptile, I hope you get a male so you can see how much they look like dragons.

Take care,