PLUMED BASILISK
Basiliscus Plumifrons
The plumed basilisk is the largest one of it's species, with an average snout to vent between 24 and 30 inches. They can reach 3ft nose to tail. Adults are a brilliant green with bright yellow eyes and small bluish dots along the dorsal ridge. Males have 3 crests: one on the head, one on the back and one on the tail. Whilst females only have the head crest. Juveniles are less conspicuously coloured and lack the characteristics of the crest.
BEHAVIOUR
Male plumed basilisks are very territorial, as babies they can be very skittish but with time and regular handling they become amazing pet lizard. They can run short distances on water. They are excellent swimmers and can stay under water for up to an hour.
HOUSING
Plumed basilisks require a lot of room to roam. A large enclosure can be constructed out of 2x4 and wire mesh panels for the sides and top. At best it should be 5ft wide, 4ft deep and 7ft tall, this size can house one pair of basilisks or 2 males and 4 females but no more than 6 adults. This enclosure should be designed with caster wheels on the bottom for east movement, for keepers with less spce or perhaps less building skills, an old wardrobe can be redesigned to house your basilisk.
DECOR
The decor should be chosen by considering ease of maintenance, durability, animal well being and visual appeal. It is imperative that the environment's decorations are secure, allowing inhabitants to free themselves easily when digging beneath objects or while searching for food. They should be able to climb easily without the risk of falling. Artificial plants are recommended instead of live plants because live plants are easily damaged and require their own care. Place artificial foliage against a stronger, more secure network of branches. As a substrate which is good for this lizard species is orchid bark, a thick layer of 5-7 inches. This substrate allows for water retention and it's acid content inhabits harmful bacteria, mould and fungus.
HEATING AND LIGHTING
True to the form of all natural arboreal lizards, the basilisk is fuelled by the sun and thrives only within it's prescence. Natural light gives basilisks the opportunity to process vitamins and helps them maintain an overall proper psychological and physical biorythmn. Because it is not always possible to provide natural sunlight for our captive bred animals, it is important to provide an artificial form. Full-spectrum lighting is essential for the lizard's health. It's a common misconception that animals from Central and South America tropical forest must be kept within the range of extreme temperatures and humidity while in captivity, on the contrary, these do best with humidity of 50-70% and temperatures within 72-85.F. Adjustments may need to be made closer and during the winter months. If the temps and humidity exceeds these guidelines then it will increase the probability of respiratory problems and possible skin disorders unless their enclosure is designed for air circulation and is subjected to natural sunlight to prevent mould, fungus and/or bacteria.
Provide fresh drinking water to this species all the time, keep a pool small and easily removable from their enclosure. Although the basilisk is fond of water and can sometimes be found resting fully submerged in large water containers. This animal will defect almost daily in it's water pool, making maintenance rather challenging. This is something to consider before you get this species. In nature, defecation in water helps prevent faeces drying beneath the vent and tail and it may make them harder to be detected by predators. A strong daily misting of the enclosure will not only increase the humidity and add a sense of environmental enrichment but will also allow them to drink from the water droplets that settle on the artificial foliage. For keepers with time, space and creativity for creating a display or outdoor enclosure could provide a large decorative pool of water with a functioning filter and it will be worth the extra effort.
Water
Basilisks are an omnivorous species that are greatly attracted to motion and it will feed daily. Young babies to one years old should be offered pinkies, insect, fruit and occasional leafy greens. Once they become over two again these should still only be fed pinkie mice, insects, fruit and occasional leafy greens. As adults they are allowed fuzzy mice, insects, fruit and occasional leafy greens.