Introduction
The Keeled Plated Lizard (Tracheloptychus petersi) goes by several different names including, Rainbow Rock Lizard, Blue-Faced Lizard, and Keeled Plated Corylid. It is an arid, diurnal, quick lizard not meant for beginners. They are found throughout Madagascar, typically near river banks. They are a vulnerable species due to importing and habitat destruction.
Size & Longevity
The Keeled Plated Lizard reaches lengths of around 7-8 inches. It is unknown how long they can live for due to being relatively new to captivity, however it is estimated they will live around 10-15 years with proper care.
Tank
A 10 gallon tank is sufficient space for 1-2 Keeled Plated Lizards. It is best to have a longer tank rather than taller. There should be lots of coverage to make the Keeled Plated Lizard feel safe.
Substrate
A Keeled Plated Lizard is an arid species that needs to be able to burrow. Suitable substrates include uncolored reptisand, dry eco earth, children’s playsand, or a bioactive mixture of 60% children’s playsand to 40% organic topsoil. The substrate will need to be at least 6 inches deep to allow for natural burrowing behavior, however, 8 inches is best.
Heating
A Keeled Plated Lizard needs a basking bulb that can create a 100-130 degree Fahrenheit hot spot. Depending on where the bulb is placed, you could need a 100 watt or 150 watt. A ceramic heat emitter or halogen bulb would also work.
*NOTE*- Never use any colored heat lamps as it can disrupt their natural day/night cycle and has been proven to have negative health effects on reptiles.
Lights?
No extra lights are necessary with this species however, a UVB striplight would be beneficial.
Water & Humidity
A Keeled Plated Lizard should have access to a small water dish, make sure it is not too large and the Keeled Plated Lizard can easily get out of it as Keeled Plated Lizards have drowned in large water dishes before.
Their humidity should range from 40-60%.
Food
Keeled Plated Lizards are primarily insectivores but have taken Pangea or Repashy mixes before. Keeled Plated Lizards seem to favor mealworms and small superworms over crickets however, crickets are healthier than mealworms or superworms and therefore should be fed more often.
All food should be dusted with calcium without D3, calcium with D3, and multivitamin supplements.
*NOTE*- If provided with a UVB striplight, calcium with D3 is not needed as the light will provide the D3 needed.
Handling
A Keeled Plated Lizard is more of a display species. If handled too often it can stress them out to the point of death. They are well tempered and rarely bite so if you would need to handle them for some reason, most likely once they have calmed down (they will try and run from your hand at first) it will be easy to handle them for brief moments.
Cohabitating?
Keeled Plated Lizards have been known to do well in small colonies however, only keep one male per enclosure to avoid territorial and dominance fights.