Basiliscus plumifrons

Plumed Basilisk

Head crests and a long tail stand out beside the water.

Reference photo, not the individual on display. Credits appear below.

Care commitment Plan for adult size

Habitat Land & water

Visiting Watch quietly

Meet your new acquaintance

Nickname Riverside Crown

Diurnal; climbs and stays close to water

Basilisks can run briefly across water, using rapid movement and specialised feet. This escape ability should never be tested by chasing an animal.

Species stories

Water-running and a memorable nickname

Water-running earned basilisks the cultural nickname “Jesus Christ lizard.” The support is not simply surface tension holding a large body.

Hydrodynamic studies separate foot impact, stroke and recovery, examining forces and the air cavity formed during entry. Some studies used related basilisk species, so this explains a group mechanism rather than a measured performance by the displayed animal.

Slower running gives way to swimming. Research turns a legendary-looking action into measurable force and timing, within a life that also includes quiet waterside rest.

Story sources:

At a glance

Green crested basilisks inhabit waterside tropical forests in Central America. By day they bask and forage on branches near streams and rivers. Long hind limbs, elongated toes and a laterally flattened tail reflect a climbing and swimming lifestyle.

Waterside branches connect basking, hunting and access to water. Long toes, strong hind limbs and a flattened tail support different movements in different settings.

Adult male crests exceed those of females and young, while females nest on land. These details turn a famous running clip into the life history of a whole waterside animal.

Common names Plumed Basilisk; Basiliscus plumifrons

Scientific name Basiliscus plumifrons

Native rangeTropical waterside habitats in Central America

Adult sizeOften about 60–80 cm total length

ActivityDiurnal; climbs and stays close to water

Diet Use varied, appropriately sized, gut-loaded invertebrates with calcium and vitamins matched to age and condition. A broad wild prey list does not require routine vertebrate feeding in captivity.

Habitat & care

Provide a large land-and-water habitat, strong branches, UVB, local basking, clean water and places to retreat.

Values guide routine care, not breeding or brumation. Dimensions are length × width × height for one adult unless stated otherwise; larger animals need more space.

TemperatureBasking surface 30–35°C Daytime air 25–30°C; night 24–26°C. Provide routes away from heat on both land and climbing structures.

Humidity50–70% Measure mid-enclosure away from mist outlets; let leaves dry between mistings and maintain airflow.

LightingUVB & shade Choose UVB intensity and distance for the species, with a fully shaded retreat.

Space150×120×210 cm Recommended starting size for one animal; add a pool, safe exits and cover.

Look a little closer

Compare the outlines of the head, back and tail crests. Examine the long hind limbs and toes relative to the forelimbs. On a branch or bank, follow hind-foot placement, body height and the tail changing position during turns.

Care note: Let it choose a branch or the water without being pursued.

About this profile

Size ranges are reference values; sex, origin and age affect appearance.

Profile status: Reference profile · Reviewed 2026-10-20

References (9)

Photo: Hans Hillewaert · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons，resized for display · Original image, credit and licence

Behaviour notes describe the species, not a promise about every individual. These care notes introduce its needs; ask our team about the animal on display and any supervised encounters.