My Lizard Has Algae Growing on Its Tail

Algae that grows on animals is rare and seen predominantly in the wild. What looks like algae growth on a lizard could actually be poor skin shedding. This is a sign of bad health or infectious disease. Lizards are ectothermic animals, or animals that rely on the outside environment to regulate body temperature. This means that you must maintain an optimum temperature in your lizard's habitat for it to stay healthy and disease-free.

  1. Proper Care

    • You can avoid skin conditions and poor health with proper care. Each lizard species will require different care, depending on the habitat it is evolved to live in. For example, a house gecko needs a living space with a constant temperature of 75 to 89 degrees F. But a desert lizard will need a full spectrum light that mimics the light of the sun and the temperature of the tank must be adjusted to a lower setting in the evening hours.

    Skin Diseases

    • Common diseases in a lizard cause symptoms on the skin that may resemble algae. An infection of the tail, for example, may present abscesses or sores. Subcutaneous abscesses due to migrating parasites or fungus can form on the surface of a reptile's tail. These are hard because reptiles don't produce the fluid that would fill an abscess in humans, so removal requires surgery. Uncommon symptoms, such as poor skin shed or strange discolorations, could be an indicator of an underlying disease and require the care of a veterinarian.

    Treatment

    • Adjusting inconsistency in your lizard's care could be the key to regaining your lizard's health. If this doesn't solve the problem then a trip to the vet is a must. Some diseases are easily treated with antibiotics, such as an infection, but some conditions require more intensive care. An infected limb, for example, may also need to be amputated to keep the infection from spreading.

    Algae on Lizards in the Wild

    • A species of fungus called Taxilejeunea obtusangula, or liverwort, grows on a species of lizard in southern Mexico. This is an uncommon occurrence that scientists believe may be the result of bacteria, fungus and algae being introduced by humans moving into forested areas. Micro-organisms, including algae, can also live in the hair of sloths, on tortoises and on beetles.