The iguana is an amazing pet that is loved by many reptile enthusiasts, but it is recommended that iguana should not be kept as a pet by people who are beginners. Iguana needs lots of patience and experience when it comes to raising them.
The iguanas are reptiles that are vegetarians in nature and are also friendly with their owners if proper care is taken of them by their owners.
In this guide, we will discuss the topic that whether the iguanas change color or not and if they do what are the various causes behind it. As it is very important to know about the iguana about their color change because it is one of the most important aspects of their life.
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Does iguana change color?
The answer to this question is yes, the iguana does change color and the most common one is the green iguana. They come in an amazing range of colors that is beautiful and brilliant.
You can find them in various colors such as blue, green, red, brown, orange, etc. you will notice many color variations in them and will love to see them in various brilliant colors. There are various reasons due to which the iguana has various colors and also they tend to change their color and the various shades.
Reasons for color change in iguana
There are various reasons why the iguana tends to change color and some of the reason has been listed as below which will tell you why does it happen:
1. Environment of the iguana
The environment of the iguana is one of the major reasons why the iguanas change colors. The temperature plays a major role in it and you will notice the color change accordingly.
You will notice that the iguanas will tend to become darker in the shade when the temperature is cold because this will help them in absorbing heat. This color change due to the temperature is usually known as physiological thermoregulation.
When the temperature is warmer then you will notice that the iguana will tend to change its color towards lighter in shade. So the environment plays an important role in changing the colors of the iguana.
2. Shedding in an iguana
You will notice when the iguana is about to shed then before that or several weeks before shedding the skin of the iguana will appear to be dull and then there will be grey or yellowish-grey cast.
Also, you will start noticing the white patches on their body and all these color or shade changes will occur during the time period of shedding. At this time also need to take care of the iguana, as these color changes give you indications about their health also that whether the iguana is healthy or not.
3. Iguana is not well
When the iguana is not well or they are suffering from some sort of disease or infection then also they tend to change their color. You will notice that if the iguana is going through the lover disease then they will start appearing yellow.
When there is red mite infestation then their skin will appear black and even raised. When they are suffering from fungal infections then there will be darker raised areas on their body. If your iguana is having some sort of injury then they will usually appear pink, scaleless, and smooth.
So various diseases that occur to the iguana tend to change colors in the iguana. One should be observant enough so that they can take immediate attention and also take them to the vet if medical help is needed. You will notice various color changes when they will suffer from various diseases or infections or when they are sick.
4. Age
Another important factor that leads to a change in color in iguana is age. The young iguana is usually brighter green in color or blue in color which is accompanied by dark brown stripes on their body and even the tail. You will notice when the iguana will get old these bright colors fade away and the color of their body will become less intense.
So this will indicate that with time the color of the iguana will start fading and this is a common and natural color change that will happen in anyways. So age is the major factor due to which you will notice the color change in the iguana.
5. Breeding season and dominance of iguana
You will notice that the male iguanas develop orange and orange to red colors when the breeding season arrives. You will also notice that the dominant males and females are often seen to retain these orange color shades even after the breeding season.
This will also be retained because they want to show their dominance and when there are other iguanas present in their environment. You will notice that this is a common reason which is seen in the iguana. Also, these orange colors stay on their body if there are other pets present at home such as cats, dogs, etc.
These are some of the common reasons behind the color change of the iguana and because of this color change, you will notice many things in your iguana which will help you to understand them better. The iguana is usually seen to change colors according to various reasons and the color shade that they change into will tell you something about them.
Final thoughts:
The iguana needs lots of love and care so that they can live a healthy and happy life inside the captivity. The iguana is an amazing pet that needs your attention and you will also notice the color change in them due to various reasons and one should know the reasons so that you will notice the change and what is wrong with them.
You need to spend time with your iguana so that you can understand them better and build a bond with them. If there is a strong connection between the iguana and its owner then there will be no issue between the two and the iguana will live happy and satisfied inside the captivity.
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