The banded fiji iguana (Brachylophu fasciatus) was described in 1800 by the French zoologist Alexandre Brongniart as “Iguana fasciata” and placed in the genus Brachylophus in 1829 by Georges Cuvier, director of the Ménagerie of Paris.
The lizards look very similar to a slender green iguana (Iguana iguana), but have a lower crest. Only the male has banding, consisting of 2-3 broad, pale bluish or pale green bands on the rump and more bands on the tail, as well as spots on the neck and shoulders. The female is solid green.
Fiji iguanas inhabit wet and dry forests and the areas around settlements and coasts, with trees at least 6 metres high. Their diet is almost entirely vegetarian. The animals do not become sexually mature until they are 4 years old and lay up to 5 eggs per clutch. The incubation period lasts about 3-5 months, depending on the incubation temperature.
This photographed specimen lives at the Zoo Augsburg.