How iguanas age
Iguanas grow rapidly in their first three years, then more slowly through the rest of their lives. They reach sexual maturity around two to three years and may continue growing until four or five. A young iguana ages quickly in human-equivalent terms, but an adult settles into a long, stable phase. With proper care these lizards live 10 to 20 years.
Life stages of an iguana
Hatchlings are small and vulnerable, growing fast on a diet of leafy greens. Juveniles (under two years) continue rapid growth. Young adults and adults (two to ten years) reach their full size of four to six feet from nose to tail. The mature and senior phases arrive in the second decade of life.
Caring for an aging iguana
Older iguanas need the same precise environmental control as younger ones — full-spectrum UVB lighting and temperatures between 80 and 95°F — but may become less tolerant of husbandry lapses. Kidney disease is a concern in aging iguanas, often linked to chronic dehydration or improper diet, so access to fresh water and a moisture-rich diet of greens becomes increasingly important.
What affects an iguana's lifespan
Poor husbandry is the leading cause of early death in pet iguanas. The animals require large enclosures, precise temperature gradients, consistent UVB exposure, and a daily supply of varied leafy greens. Iguanas are best suited to experienced keepers who can meet these demanding requirements over the animal's long life.