Higher classification Tupinambis | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Tupinambis teguixin Rank Species | |
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Similar Tupinambis, Argentine black and white tegu, Reptile, Tupinambis rufescens, Teiidae | ||
Gold tegu feeding reacting to voice command and hand signal
The gold tegu, also known as golden tegu, common tegu, black tegu, Colombian tegu and tiger lizard (on Trinidad), is a species of tegu. Its old scientific name (synonym) was Tupinambis nigropunctatus but it has since renamed to Tupinambis teguixin.
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Gold tegus grow to be approximately 2 to 3 feet (60 to 100 cm) on average, and up to 3.5 to 4 kg in weight, with a glossy body, powerful limbs and a thick tail. They have many black and gold stripes down their body. Gold tegus live in the tropical forests of northern and central South America, as well as Panama. They feed on insects, invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles and birds, as well as fish and sometimes fruit. They typically do not make as good a pet as its larger southern cousins; Argentine black and white tegu or the red tegu but if handled frequently, can make a good pet.
Baby gold tegus feeding
