Diet
Philippine Sailfin Lizards are omnivores, eating leaves, flowers and fruit along with insects, crustaceans and other small animals.
Average lifespan
Around 10 to 15 years in human care.
Size
Adults can reach around 1 metre (3 feet) or more from nose to tail, with males larger than females. Cameron is about 3.5 feet long.
Weight
Adults typically weigh around 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2 to 3.3 pounds).
About
Meet Cameron, our male Philippine Sailfin Lizard at Reptilia Vaughan. His species is found only in the Philippines, where they live in forests along rivers, streams and mangroves, never far from water.
Size and behavior
Sailfin lizards are big, powerful lizards with a crest of spines along the neck. Babies of both sexes look the same, but as males mature they grow a tall sail along the base of the tail – Cameron’s is a sign he’s an adult male. They often rest on branches above the water, and if a predator gets too close they simply drop in and swim away.
Diet and nutrition
In the wild they forage on leaves, fruit and flowers, and snap up insects and other small animals. At Reptilia, Cameron is fed a varied diet of greens, vegetables, fruit and insects, dusted with calcium and vitamins.
Tropical Rainforest
More animals to meet
Conservation status
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Wild populations are declining due to habitat loss along rivers and coastlines, and collection for the pet trade and for food.
Fun fact
They have special feet! Their long toes have fringes of scales that work like snowshoes, helping them avoid sinking in mud – and as youngsters they can even run short distances across the surface of water.
Common Name: Philippine Sailfin Lizard
Also known as: Cameron
Visit in person
Animals on display vary by location and may change from day to day.